From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government has hinted that the implementation of the new academic curriculum for basic and junior secondary schools might kick off in January 2025.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who announced the development, in Abuja, said the revised curriculum is in line with current realities.
“It is a harvest of a lot of experiences gathered from different countries. It is competency and outcome based. It also aligned with the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative.”
He was optimistic that the new curriculum will provide Nigerian students with a well-rounded education that will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century, also hoping that it will curb the out-of-school children menace bedevilling the country.
Meanwhile, the government had earlier hinted that the new curriculum for the basic education sector was sequel to the new curriculum for the senior secondary schools which the implementation kick off in the new academic session that commenced in September.
The new curricular were, however, endorsed by stakeholders at the recently concluded 68th National Council on Education (NCE) that were attended by all the relevant stakeholders in the education sector.
Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Dr. Margaret Lawan confirmed that 15 different trades/skills were newly introduced for the basic education.
She listed the subjects under Basic Digital Literacy to include Information Technology, Robotics and others; while Building and Construction has subjects like Plumbing, Tiling, Floor works and POP Installation.
For hospitality and leisure, subjects include Events Decoration and Management, Bakery and Confectionaries, Hair Styling, Make-up and Inner Design; even as Services consisted of the following subjects: GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV antenna/CCTV/Intercom Installation and Maintenance, Solar Installation and Maintenance and Garment Making.
There was also Agriculture and Processing which consists of Crop Production, Bee Keeping, Horticulture Production, Sheep and Goat Farming, Poultry and Rabbit Farming.