Basic Education New Curriculum Revamp Sparks Reactions Across Nigeria
By Emmanuel Enebeli
WARRI/Nigeria: Nigeria’s updated basic education curriculum, now featuring 15 additional vocational trades, has ignited widespread reactions from Nigerians. The trades, which include plumbing, tiling, event decoration, garment making, digital literacy, and solar installation, aim to boost practical skills and enhance employability among students. However, the implementation and practicality of the initiative have become hot topics of discussion.
These reactions followed the posting of the new curriculum by Mayowa Michael in his LinkedIn handle.
Amaechi Chinonso, a certified project manager, questioned the focus on theory over practice. “Will they teach students to become skillful in these trades or just take notes as usual?” he asked, adding that the success of the reform hinges on ensuring hands-on training. Mayowa J. Michael, a pan-African content writer, agreed, emphasizing the importance of practical implementation and suggesting a “train the trainers” approach to address the potential shortage of skilled instructors.
Etukudo Etukudo, a professional seeking new opportunities, expressed doubts about the availability of qualified teachers to handle the curriculum’s new demands. “Do they have the right teachers to handle these skills?” he asked, prompting others to highlight the need for capacity building among educators. Similarly, Simon Lijam, a technical associate, raised concerns about the government’s ability to implement the reform effectively. “Our problem here is implementation,” he stated, pointing out that previous curriculum reforms were only partially executed in public schools.
For some, the reform is a much-needed step forward. Anita Ugochukwu, a deputy manager in logistics, shared how her children’s school had already incorporated similar vocational training years ago, including cosmetology and photography. She praised the initiative, stating, “This is good as no knowledge is lost.” Another respondent, Mubarak Ahmad, called for the program to be made compulsory and free to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
While many see the initiative as a positive move toward equipping Nigeria’s youth for a competitive future, concerns about resources, teacher training, and job availability remain unresolved. “Where are the jobs for those who learn these skills?” asked Abraham Zillion, a wellness advocate, summing up the skepticism shared by many. As the nation watches, the success of the curriculum update will depend on the government’s ability to address these challenges and turn policy into practice.
