Nigeria federal government has announced a groundbreaking new curriculum aimed at equipping students with essential skills for the future.
Every student, under the new curriculum for Basic and Senior Secondary Education, must graduate with at least two skills. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, during the 68th National Council on Education (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The theme of the meeting, “Innovation, Digital Technology, and Entrepreneurship: Tools for Educational and National Development in the 21st Century,” highlighted the urgent need for educational reform to meet modern challenges.
“The new curriculum is designed to incorporate knowledge, skills, and values, particularly with a special focus on skills,” Prof Mamman stated. “This ensures that students, when they graduate, will have skills that they can connect with the economy and lead a productive life.”
The new curriculum marks a significant shift from the traditional education system, which has been criticized for failing to equip students with the practical skills needed in today’s rapidly changing world.
The Minister emphasized that the curriculum overhaul is part of a broader effort to future-proof Nigeria’s education system and ensure that it aligns with the demands of a digital and technology-driven economy. “A well-designed and effective curriculum determines sustainable development, quality, and the relevance of education. This is why the current administration places great priority on the institutionalization of curriculum development,” Mamman added.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Education is implementing the Education Transformation Agenda, a strategic plan aimed at completely overhauling the education sector.
The objective is to ensure quality learning, skill development, and access to equitable education for all Nigerian students. The transformation agenda underscores the importance of aligning the educational system with modern global standards to guarantee that Nigerian students can compete and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The push to embed skill acquisition in the curriculum reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that education becomes a tool for economic empowerment. Mamman highlighted that “the government has the primary responsibility of protecting and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels for all learners. This curriculum is a step in that direction.”
In addition to the focus on skill acquisition, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, emphasized that embracing digital technology and entrepreneurship is vital for any nation striving for growth. “To meet the challenges posed by new technological developments, we must ensure that the educational system is structured and made more relevant to the needs and aspirations of society,” Sununu explained.
Digital skills are increasingly becoming a fundamental requirement in every industry, and Nigerian students must be equipped to compete on the global stage. “We must inject new and relevant ideas into the system to enhance national development,” Sununu stressed, adding that education at all levels needs to be reimagined to keep pace with globalization.
The emphasis on entrepreneurship within the curriculum is also a strategic move to foster self-reliance and innovation among young Nigerians. By developing entrepreneurial skills, students are expected to contribute to job creation and economic growth. “Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating employment opportunities for others,” Sununu remarked.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Muntari Mohammed, also weighed in on the significance of the new curriculum, particularly the role of digital literacy in modern education.
He asserted that digital skills should no longer be seen as an add-on but as a fundamental component of the educational framework. “Digital literacy must be a core element of the curriculum. Our leadership remains focused on ensuring stability in the education sector and that these reforms take hold,” Mohammed said.
The NEC meeting provided a platform for education stakeholders to discuss the potential impact of the new curriculum on the Nigerian economy. Many expressed optimism that the curriculum could be a game-changer, provided it is effectively implemented.
The focus on skills and values, in addition to academic knowledge, is expected to significantly enhance the employability of Nigerian graduates and equip them to thrive in a knowledge-based economy.
Professor Mamman reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding international education standards and ensuring that Nigerian students are protected and supported. “We are committed to observing all relevant international protocols, conventions, and treaties for the protection of our learners, teachers, learning institutions, and facilities from attack,” he said, underscoring the government’s holistic approach to educational reform.
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