The Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, said on Monday that Afghanistan’s education curriculum has been revised to align with “Islamic and Afghan culture.”

Speaking during a visit to Helmand province, Nadeem claimed that the new curriculum enjoys the support of religious scholars and university professors, and that the Taliban-led ministry remains committed to fulfilling its “scientific responsibilities.”

State-run television, controlled by the Taliban, reported that Nadeem also announced plans to introduce new academic programmes aimed at “advancing education” under the Taliban.

The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing restrictions on female education, as girls’ schools and universities remain closed beyond the sixth grade.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, recently said the group could not specify when girls’ schools might reopen, reiterating that the issue remains under discussion.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Higher Education banned 679 academic books and educational materials from use in public and private universities, saying the content was “inconsistent with Islamic values and national culture.”

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s education and work, drawing international condemnation and accusations of gender apartheid.