Nigerians have continued to react to Federal Government’s review of basic, senior secondary and technical education curriculum, with some describing it as a progressive step that will align Nigerian learners with global trends and relevant skills.
They, however, urge proper implementation of the curriculum, which, among other things, aims to reduce content overload, improve learning outcomes, and ensure students are equipped with skills relevant to global demands.
Freedomonline reports that there had been calls from some industry stakeholders for schools to produce graduates with competencies in technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, said in an interview our Correspondent on Tuesday that the decision was laudable and timely.
Ogunbanjo hoped that tbe initiative would advance learning.
He said that Nigeria could not afford to lag behind in the committee of nations in terms of education.
“I commend the Federal Government. This is good but, most importantly, we want full implementation of this as soon as possible.
“It is the responsibility of education ministries, through their compliance and monitoring departments, to guarantee full implementation of the curriculum,” he said.
He noted that subjects on digital technology and entrepreneurship studies were introduced in the revised curriculum, and called for infrastructure provisions toward effective implementation of the curriculum.
“As the new curriculum takes effect across board, let the equipment, infrastructure to pursue a particular course be made available to every school.
“Education is holistic. As governments provide infrastructure in their schools, private ones should also ensure that all these things are provided,” he added
Similarly, a former Vice-President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Tunde Bejide, described the revised curriculum as necessary.
He also urged effective implementation.
Bejide commended inclusion of coding, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship in the new curriculum, saying they were vital tools to thrive in the knowledge economy.
He also noted that vocational skills, including solar installation, plumbing, event decoration and waste recycling, were embedded in the curriculum.
He said that the skills would enable learners to develop competencies that would enable self-reliance, innovation and entrepreneurship from early education stages.
“With this curriculum, we can equip learners with practical and employable skills.
“Nigerian students will now be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world,” he said.
He commended emphasis on Nigerian history, citizenship education and trade subjects, describing them as key to building cultural identity, civic responsibility, and moral consciousness.
Bejide, also the Chairman of Tombe Foundation School, Lagos, urged timely release of updates on curricula.
He said, “A curriculum is only effective when stakeholders are carried along and given time for adequate preparation.”
He said that the release of the revised curriculum came too close to school resumption and did not give enough time for planning by schools.
