The Nation Newspaper

Tag: curriculum

  • Govt begins review of curriculum for adult, non-formal education programmes

    Govt begins review of curriculum for adult, non-formal education programmes

    The Federal Government has started the review of the Post-Literacy Curriculum for Adult and Non-Formal Education Programmes to meet the needs of learners.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Prof. Akpama Ibor, announced this at a workshop on the review of post-literacy curriculum for adult and non-formal education programmes yesterday in Abuja.

    The executive secretary noted that the review would elevate the standards of literacy, provide greater access to quality education for adults, and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning opportunities for millions of citizens across the country.

    He said the curriculum review would not only enhance the skills of individual learners but also contribute to national development goals.

    Ibor said: “Literacy, as we all recognise, is a fundamental human right. Beyond being a key tool for personal empowerment, literacy is essential for social and economic development. As we strengthen the education landscape through this curriculum review, we are not only enhancing the skills of individual learners but also contributing to national development goals. A literate and educated populace is more informed, economically productive, and socially responsible.

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    “Our commitment to literacy aligns closely with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, specifically SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This ambition is rooted in our belief that education is a powerful equaliser, offering people from all walks of life the chance to participate fully in society.

    “Through the diligent efforts of our educators, partners, and communities, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has made significant strides in reducing illiteracy rates and increasing accessibility to education for adults.

    “However, we are acutely aware of the challenges that remain. Millions of adults in Nigeria still lack basic literacy skills, and many of our programmes face challenges in adapting to the diverse needs of learners.

    “This curriculum review is a pivotal step in addressing these challenges. By updating and refining the curriculum, we aim to create a more inclusive, flexible, and relevant educational framework that meets the varied needs of adult learners.”

  • Fed Govt rolls out new curriculum for basic education

    Fed Govt rolls out new curriculum for basic education

    The federal government has rolled out a new curriculum for Basic Education and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, effective from this month.

    The government said that the new curriculum was designed to incorporate knowledge, skills, and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that students on graduation would have skills that they could effectively connect with the economy and have a productive life.

    The government also announced an end to the use of paper for the official activities and communications of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    It said the ministry has developed a digital communication portal through which official ministry activities will be conducted.

    The government said the world has gone digital; hence, the ministry will leverage the technological advancements, and not be left behind in digitalising its activities for enhanced efficiency, productivity, and service delivery to Nigerians

    Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman announced this on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open the Ministerial Session of the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) for 2024 with the theme: “Innovation, Digital Technology and Entrepreneurship: Tools for Education and National Development in the 21st Century.”

    The NCE, which has the Minister of Education as Chairman, is the highest policy-making body in education and is expected to officially approve the new curriculum, among other recommendations of the Officials’ Meeting headed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education.

    The minister noted that the existing curriculum had become obsolete and that there was a need to infuse skills and technology in line with the national skills framework.

    Mamman said: “The world we live in and its future is very different from the times of old. Today, we share a common challenge that the country’s educational curriculum is in danger of becoming obsolete as technology is disrupting every industry, including education.

    “A well-designed and effective curriculum determines sustainable development, quality, and the relevance of education. This is the main reason why this Administration places priority on the institutionalisation of curriculum development in the overall context of education.

    “The Ministry is about rolling out a new curriculum for Basic Education and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria from this October, designed to incorporate knowledge, skills, and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that students, when they graduate, will have skills that they can connect with the economy and have a productive life.”

    He also disclosed that the government has completed the review of 15 trades and entrepreneurship subject curricula for the senior secondary education level.

    The minister commended the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for developing the curriculum, noting that the Council worked tirelessly under his constant watch, encouragement, and sometimes harassment to deliver the reviewed curriculum.

    Mamman also revealed that the implementation of the reviewed Tertiary Education Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) has commenced in universities across the country while efforts were on to review the National Policy on Education.

    The minister noted that as part of efforts to strengthen teacher education, the government had also reviewed the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) curriculum in collaboration with the British Council and other stakeholders.

    He used the occasion to clarify issues around the 18-year age limit for university admissions.

    He announced plans to create guidelines on the implementation of the age limit for admission to cater for exceptional students who might be below the age limit.

    The minister said: “There is a need to clarify yet again the misrepresentation on the issue of the 18 years age limit for admission to universities, which was earlier mentioned.

    “The Ministry was only drawing attention to the age requirement for entry into tertiary institutions as enshrined in the National Policy on Education (6-3-3-4 System); the UBEC Act and Education (Minimum) Standards Act 1993 and not the age limit for students participating in WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, NABTEB or any ordinary level examination.

    “However, the ministry acknowledges that some children are exceptionally intelligent and the Ministry will work out a guideline to deal with cases of genuine exceptionally intelligent learners.”

    Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu, noted that to meet the challenges posed by new technological development, the government must ensure that the educational system was structured and made more relevant to the needs and aspirations of the society.

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    He maintained that new and relevant ideas must be injected into the system to enhance national development, adding that education at all levels needs renewal to meet up with the present globalisation.

    Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nasir Sani Gwarzo, said he was impressed when he resumed in the ministry a few months ago and realised that most of the ministry activities are done through a digital platform.

    He said: “In fact, the Federal Ministry of Education seems to be the most digitalised Ministry I have been to.”

    He appreciated the efforts of his predecessor, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, and other former Permanent Secretaries, who started the good work and promised to continue from where they stopped with improved efficiency.

  • Expert advocates curriculum retool, professional growth for teachers

    Expert advocates curriculum retool, professional growth for teachers

    Executive Director, Development of Education Action Network (DEAN) Initiative, Mr. Michael Semiye, has called for a retool of the curriculum to include essential skills for targeted societal challenges.

    Semiye addressed reporters on the introduction of “NextGen Teachers Bootcamp”  on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He recommended continuous professional development for teachers to attain speedy national development.

    The executive director said that many schools focused on theoretical knowledge which did not translate into practical skills required in the job market to create collective prosperity.

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    Semiye said while literacy rate was improving in the country, Human Development Index (HDI) remained low at 0.539.

    He said Nigeria ranked 161 out of 189 countries, which reflected a problem with the vision, design and implementation of education agenda.

    Semiye said empathy, leadership, creativity, analytical thinking, critical thinking and emotional intelligence must find clear expression in the curriculum, to attain desired national goals.

    “Despite basic educational attainment, many Nigerians lack the skills to improve their living standards, and contribute effectively to the economy.

  • ‘Industry-compliant curriculum to drive excellence’

    ‘Industry-compliant curriculum to drive excellence’

    Neovarsity Africa has underscored its commitment to providing industrial-aligned curriculum to meet the demands of today’s employers and ensure students are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge needed to   excel.

    In a statement, the institution noted that it is poised to bridge the gap between traditional education and the modern job market, while offering a diverse range of tech and non-tech skills training, including, data analysis, mobile app development, cyber security, graphics and video editing, among others.

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    It noted that with a suitable earning environment built on integrity, transparency, and accountability, students can rest assured of top-notch instruction from industry experts who are passionate about their craft, and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom, ensuring that each student receives personalised attention and guidance.

    “Neovarsity Africa goes above and beyond by offering unparalleled career support to help students navigate their professional journeys with confidence. From resume building workshops to job placement assistance, Neovarsity Africa empowers learners to thrive in the competitive job market.

    With its unwavering commitment to excellence,  is not just an educational institution; it’s a catalyst for personal and professional growth,” it added.

  • PIND seeks inclusion of peace-building in schools’ curriculum

    PIND seeks inclusion of peace-building in schools’ curriculum

    The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has called on the government to integrate peace-building education into school’s curriculum as part of solution to conflicts.

    It said although conflicts remained inevitable, only mismanaged situation would snowball into violence.

    Speaking at a media parley in Port Harcourt, the Peace-building Programme Manager of PIND, David Udofia, said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) was sensitising government officials on the need for peace education to be in the school’s curriculum.

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    Udofia said: “We are talking to the government to have an understanding that there is need to invest in peace education. We are working towards changing our educational curriculum to include peace-building education at the kindergarten level, which will be different from peace-building education at the secondary and tertiary education levels.”