Nigerian elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions may soon have new curriculum after the House of Representatives approved the proposal at plenary on Thursday.
This was a follow-up to the House resolution on a motion headed “Review of the Nigerian curriculum for primary and secondary schools in line with current global market needs and contemporary realities,” which was brought by Bamidele Salam, a Peoples Democratic Party member from Osun State.
Leading the argument, Salam stated that Nigeria’s conventional elementary and secondary school curriculum faced issues when compared to other nations across the world.
He asserted that while the curriculum provides pupils with the knowledge —
“it prioritizes rote learning over practical skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which are very crucial in the current labour market.
“The curriculum might have a stronger focus on national subjects potentially limiting exposure to global perspectives necessary to navigate the interconnected world.”
The current curriculum, he stated, falls short of teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills, noting that “advanced economies prioritise fostering analytical abilities and encouraging students to approach challenges with innovative solutions.”
The congressman went on to say that, unlike the existing national curriculum, the curriculum in developed countries frequently includes practical training and exposure to real-world circumstances, preparing students for the unique demands of the labour market.
He said:
“Integrating technology effectively into the learning process is crucial for success in today’s world. This area might require significant improvement in resource allocation and teacher training in Nigeria compared to its more technologically advanced counterparts.
“The House is aware that the world is in flux, skills needed to thrive are constantly evolving, demanding a critical evaluation of current educational systems.
“The traditional curriculum may not adequately equip graduates for the dynamic labour market to bridge this gap and thus, a comprehensive review of educational programmes at all levels is essential.
“(The current curriculum) prioritises theoretical knowledge and rote memorization over equipping students with the practical skills increasingly demanded by the globalized job market” adding that “This could leave Nigerian graduates unprepared for the realities of workplace expectations.
“The Nigerian curriculum, compared to advanced countries, lacks sufficient technology integration, thus hindering digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in a tech-driven world.
“We are concerned that the rigid curriculum structure limits student exploration and overlooks global perspectives and potentially hinders graduates’ adaptability and competitiveness in the interconnected world.”
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cc: Punch Ng
