New Basic Education Curriculum to Include Skills Training from January 2025

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that the new curriculum for basic education will be implemented across schools starting in January 2025. The curriculum, designed to equip students with practical skills, will also be introduced for senior secondary schools by September 2025. This initiative marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s education system, as it aims to provide students with skills that will prepare them for the workforce and promote self-reliance.

Skills-Based Curriculum for 21st-Century Competence

At a stakeholders meeting held on October 14 in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, shared details of the new curriculum, which will incorporate skills such as make-up artistry, sewing, plumbing, tiling, and more. According to the minister, these skills will help students develop competencies that are essential for the 21st century, ensuring they leave school with at least two practical skills that can lead to productive careers.

“The whole idea is that by the time children finish their education, they should have a minimum of two skills so that they can have a productive life,” Prof. Mamman stated.

Focus on Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement

The meeting with stakeholders focused on finalizing the curriculum’s structure and determining the modalities for its implementation. Discussions centered on support, monitoring, and evaluation processes to ensure the successful roll-out of the new system in 2025. Prof. Mamman highlighted that the key difference between this curriculum and previous systems, such as the 6:3:3:4 system, is the emphasis on proper implementation.

“The major justification for what we have done has been the inability to implement the 6:3:3:4 system from inception,” he explained. The 6:3:3:4 education model, introduced in the 1990s, also aimed to equip students with skills but failed due to poor execution. The new curriculum seeks to rectify those shortcomings.

Competency and Digital-Based Learning

Dr. Garba Gandu, the Director of Curriculum at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), emphasized that the new curriculum is competency-based and digitally aligned. The focus will not only be on traditional vocational skills but also on incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) methods to ensure a well-rounded education.

The curriculum will introduce 15 new trade subjects, including information technology, vocational entrepreneurship, building and construction, plumbing, tiling, hair styling, make-up artistry, satellite and CCTV installation, and GSM repairs, among others. These subjects are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and capabilities, providing students with diverse options for skill acquisition.

Moving Towards a More Practical Education System

The introduction of the new curriculum reflects the government’s commitment to overhauling the education system and making it more practical and relevant to today’s socio-economic realities. By emphasizing skills training, Nigeria hopes to better prepare its students for both local and global job markets, reducing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

Subscribe to Follow Global Trends for daily global news.

Find Out How To Make Money As A Full Time Writer/Blogger Guide.

Why Don’t You Have Money?

To Advertise, Advertise Your Affiliate Links on FollowGlobalTrends.com for Just $1 Per Link Per Month!

Related Articles

The Director of the National Examinations Council (NECO)

All About the National Examinations Council (NECO)