Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, underscored the importance of an annual review of the Secondary Education Curriculum.
Despite this imperative, Mamman noted that it has taken an astonishing 12 years to conduct such a review.
Addressing the High-Level Policy Committee Meeting on the New Secondary Education Curriculum Structure and Benchmarks on Tuesday, Prof Mamman emphasized the necessity of integrating skill acquisition into Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum.
He asserted, “The country faces challenges concerning the quality of students possessing necessary skills demanded by the industry. Some of these skills don’t necessarily require tertiary education but could be instilled during secondary school programs.”
Recognizing that not every student aspires to attend university, Mamman highlighted the importance of providing skills at the secondary level for those pursuing alternative careers.
The minister stated that the meeting coincided with ongoing educational reforms aimed at ensuring optimal training and appropriate qualifications for students at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
In response, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Ismail Junaidu, clarified that the gathering aimed to fully implement activities outlined in the Education Sector Roadmap (2024-2027).
Junaidu explained, “The outdated Senior Secondary Education Curriculum no longer aligns with the overarching goals of our education system, such as human capital development, job creation, value reorientation, and poverty eradication.”
Highlighting the urgency of creating opportunities for students to acquire trade and entrepreneurship skills, Junaidu emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving world. He stressed that changes in the last 12 years, including advancements, emerging ideas, progressing knowledge, and global goals, necessitate responsive curriculum reform to equip children with contemporary skills and competencies.
