The National Universities Commission (NUC) is pushing for global recognition of Nigeria’s Education system by fully implementing Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). This journey towards international recognition is a significant step forward for the nation’s universities. NUC introduced a revised curriculum in 2022 to ensure that higher Education in Nigeria aligns with the demands of society. The university system has undergone a transformation, with both existing and new disciplines and programs being updated to reflect the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.
There are 17 different disciplines within the CCMAS, which is an increase from the 12 disciplines found in BMAS. These disciplines cover a range of subjects including Arts, Social Sciences, Administration and Management, Agriculture, Law, Computing, Communication and Media Studies, Education, Architecture. Additional disciplines include Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Dentistry, Environmental Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science, Basic Medical Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The CCMAS was created with the goal of enhancing the quality of education in Nigerian universities.
ASUU opposes the introduction of CCMAS in universities.
This is necessary to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for employment opportunities and possess a broad range of knowledge on local, national, and global issues. This achievement was made possible through collaboration between academic professionals, government officials from NUC, various professional organizations, and the Private Sector as represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), after two years of continuous communication and collaboration. Despite objections from certain key stakeholders, the government remains firm in its belief in the necessity of implementing a new curriculum design.
However, ASUU opposes the introduction of CCMAS, which they believe jeopardizes the quality of university education and undermines the authority of university senates in Nigeria. In contrast, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Mr. Chris J. Maiyaki, expressed confidence in the successful adoption of CCMAS by all Nigerian universities during a recent discussion on curriculum development. Maiyaki urged the participation of various stakeholders, such as the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU), in collaborating to ensure the complete enforcement of the CCMAS.
Results of the program are aligned with international standards.
Hence, this document has officially become a crucial point of reference for National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification moving ahead. Maiyaki has also emphasized that the program was crafted with care by experienced professors, industry professionals, and business leaders from various related fields. He noted that the results of the program are aligned with international standards, designed to meet specific needs, and able to prepare undergraduate university students to excel on a global scale after graduation.
Importantly, the Nigerian University System offers the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Administration and Management Science as a foundation for their education and training. Outlined are the fundamental operational components that establish the essential academic criteria needed to attain the primary objective of generating graduates in the field of Administration and Management Science who possess a strong academic foundation to confront the demands of a growing Economy within a progressively interconnected global marketplace.
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Additionally, this document from CCMAS is essential for institutions to follow when designing curricula for their Administration and Management programs. It outlines the minimum requirements that should be met. Institutions are urged to consider the guidelines set forth by the curriculum while also incorporating innovative approaches to the content and delivery of their programs. This will help in reaching the ultimate objective of providing quality education and training in Administration and Management Science across the country.