365NEWS gathered that the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to implement a significant overhaul of the Basic Education curriculum, introducing 15 mandatory skills for students in primary and junior secondary schools starting in January 2025. This initiative aims to enhance students’ employability and practical skills, addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the country.
Overview of the New Curriculum
The revamped curriculum will allow students to choose from a selection of 15 trades, ensuring they acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience over their nine years of schooling. The new skills are designed to align educational outcomes with the demands of the job market, fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among Nigerian youth.
The 15 Mandatory Skills
– The following skills will be introduced:
– Plumbing
– Tiling and Floor Works
– POP Installation
– Event Decoration and Management
– Bakery and Confectioneries
– Hairstyling
– Makeup
– Interior Design
– GSM Repairs
– Satellite/TV Antenna Installation
– CCTV, Intercom Installation, and Maintenance
– Solar Installation and Maintenance
– Garment Making
– Agriculture and Processing (including crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, sheep and goat farming, poultry, and rabbit farming)
– Basic Digital Literacy (IT and Robotics)
Implementation Strategy
To support the rollout of this new curriculum, the government plans to focus on several key areas:
Teacher Training: Comprehensive training programs will be established for educators to equip them with the necessary skills to teach these new subjects effectively
Infrastructure Improvements: Schools will undergo necessary upgrades to facilitate practical learning experiences
Development of Instructional Guides: Resources will be created to assist teachers in delivering the new curriculum effectively
Impact on Curriculum Structure
The introduction of 15 mandatory trades into Nigeria’s Basic Education curriculum is poised to significantly reshape the current curriculum structure. This change aims to integrate vocational skills training alongside traditional academic subjects, enhancing students’ employability and practical knowledge.
Integration of Vocational Skills: The new curriculum will incorporate vocational training as a core component, allowing students to engage in practical skills relevant to the job market. This integration means that alongside academic subjects, students will also be required to participate in hands-on learning experiences related to their chosen trades, such as plumbing, event management, and digital literacy
Curriculum Balance: The addition of these trades necessitates a rebalancing of the curriculum. Schools will need to allocate time for both academic subjects and vocational training, which may lead to adjustments in the number of subjects taught or the duration of each class. This shift aims to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths
Teacher Training and Resources: To effectively implement this new curriculum, significant investment in teacher training and resources will be required. Educators must be equipped with the skills necessary to teach these trades effectively, which may involve professional development programs and the creation of instructional materials tailored to the new curriculum
Assessment and Evaluation Changes: With the introduction of vocational skills, assessment methods will likely evolve. Traditional examinations may be supplemented or replaced with practical assessments that evaluate students’ competencies in their chosen trades. This shift aims to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning and readiness for the workforce
Enhanced Focus on Entrepreneurship: The emphasis on vocational skills is also expected to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students. By equipping them with practical skills, the curriculum aims to encourage self-employment and business creation, addressing youth unemployment more effectively
Finally
The introduction of these 15 mandatory trades will fundamentally alter Nigeria’s Basic Education curriculum by integrating vocational training, requiring adjustments in teaching methods, assessment strategies, and resource allocation. This change is designed not only to enhance academic learning but also to prepare students more effectively for future employment opportunities.
