The federal government has made it clear that after a 12-year Curriculum review, there is no turning back on providing Nigerians with an updated curriculum for primary and senior secondary schools. This new syllabus is designed to tackle the country’s Learning Crisis and promote the use of technology. Prof Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, emphasised the government’s unwavering dedication to reviewing the Basic Education Curriculum during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) Stakeholders’ Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee. He affirmed that their commitment is firm, resolute, and heading in the correct direction.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, spoke on behalf of Mamman and highlighted the learning crisis affecting the region. Data has revealed that one out of five children is not attending school globally, with the country among one of those five children. He stated that the curriculum had been revised over a decade ago. He believes that the changes must be revised to meet the demands of the last five years and prepare for the country’s present and future needs.
New syllabus will address low academic performance and declining morals.
Also, the report’s findings reveal that many children in the region struggle with low numeracy skills, learning difficulties, and limited critical thinking abilities. These issues threaten the country’s development and must be collectively confronted and resolved. The minister highlighted that the upcoming syllabus will help combat issues such as low academic performance and declining moral values. The revised curriculum is designed to introduce students at the primary level to a wide range of skill-building opportunities, including creating employment skills.
He mentioned that this would instil in the students a natural inclination towards independent thinking, promote creativity, innovation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to address a wide range of social issues. The administration is recognising the importance of restructuring the Education sector to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of seizing economic opportunities and beyond. His statement focuses on the importance of the educational plan review, emphasising the need to diversify teaching methods to enhance children’s perception and understanding.
NERDC advocates for a thorough national educational syllabus review.
On her part, Dr. Margret Lawani, the Acting Executive Secretary of NERDC, believes that after 12 years, the existing primary education syllabus is no longer effective in meeting current needs, and thus, she advocates for a thorough review. Her statement emphasised the acknowledgement that the academic plan reflects the collective choices made by individuals regarding the essential knowledge, skills, values, and competencies that students need to acquire to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society’s progress and prosperity.
According to her, NERDC has introduced several new initiatives to guarantee inclusivity and democratisation in the syllabus review process, ensuring that it accurately represents the aspirations and requirements of the entire country. This meeting, which brings key stakeholders together, is crucial in obtaining important feedback and ideas to create a high-quality elementary education plan nationwide. Her goal is to revamp the curriculum and create a cutting-edge educational program that focuses on developing essential skills needed for success in the modern world while tackling pressing global challenges.
Related Article: Airtel promotes educational reform via tech
She emphasised the importance of the meeting in developing a syllabus that prioritises learners’ skills over mere knowledge acquisition. The focus is formulating a framework supporting practical abilities, ensuring students are equipped for real-world challenges. Stakeholders are invited to actively participate in the review process, offering their insights and feedback. Their approval of the curriculum’s framework and structure is crucial before proceeding to the more detailed and technical stages of drafting. This collaborative approach ensures a well-rounded and effective educational program tailored to students’ needs.