British Curriculum vs Nigerian Curriculum

05. June 2025 Admin

Parents in Nigeria are often faced with a tough decision: should they enroll their children in schools that offer the Nigerian curriculum or go for international schools that follow the British curriculum? This comparison highlights the differences and helps you choose what's best for your child.

Note: The British Curriculum is also known as the National Curriculum for England, while the Nigerian Curriculum is regulated by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

Key Differences

Aspect	British Curriculum	Nigerian Curriculum
Structure	Key Stages (KS1 to KS5), leading to IGCSE and A-Levels	Basic Education (Primary and JSS) and Senior Secondary (WAEC/NECO)
Assessment	Coursework + Exams (Cambridge/Edexcel)	Term exams and national exams (WAEC, NECO)
Global Recognition	Highly recognized internationally ????	More localized, recognized within West Africa
Curriculum Content	Focuses on analytical, inquiry-based learning	Content-heavy and theory-focused
Languages	English only	English + Indigenous Languages
Cost	More expensive ????	More affordable ????

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice depends on your goals and budget. If you're aiming for foreign university admission, the British curriculum might be more suitable. If you prefer an affordable and locally relevant education, the Nigerian curriculum is ideal.

Hybrid Schools

Some private schools in Nigeria offer a blend of both curricula—preparing students for both WAEC and IGCSE. These schools give the flexibility of multiple options for tertiary education, home or abroad.