The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has announced that a new skill-based curriculum for basic schools across Nigeria will be implemented starting January 2025.
This follows a prior disclosure by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, on October 9, regarding the upcoming curriculum overhaul.
During a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Monday, Prof. Mamman revealed that under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two practical skills before graduation.
He emphasized that the curriculum is mandatory for both public and private schools, and a revised curriculum for secondary schools is expected to be ready by September 2025.
Prof. Mamman explained, “By the time children finish school, they should possess at least two skills that will equip them for a productive life.
The basis for this curriculum is the National Skills Framework, which has already been approved.
This new approach affects all schools, public and private, and its implementation is non-negotiable.”
He noted that while the official rollout is scheduled for January 2025, full implementation might take time as schools will need to make necessary preparations, such as acquiring new equipment and materials.
He added, “We anticipate that schools will use this school year to prepare, and relevant agencies in the Ministry of Education will work on the senior secondary school curriculum, which should be ready by September or October next year.”
The minister also stressed the importance of teacher development in ensuring the successful implementation of the curriculum, stating that efforts are underway to equip teachers with the necessary skills and resources.
Additionally, the ministry plans to engage private school stakeholders to ensure smooth adoption of the new curriculum.
“There is a need to prepare classrooms and develop teachers’ capacity.
We are working on teacher training and support so they can effectively implement this curriculum.
Over the next three months, we will focus on preparation, teacher capacity building, and public engagement, particularly with private schools,” Mamman said.
Highlighting the benefits of the new curriculum, the minister noted that it would revive interest in formal education among parents and students.
He explained that the current system often leaves graduates without practical skills or employment prospects, leading to disillusionment.
The new curriculum aims to change this by equipping students with marketable skills that will enhance their lives.
“Many parents hesitate to send their children to school because they don’t see the value.
This new curriculum will change that.
Once implemented, students will be eager to attend school, and parents will be motivated to invest in their children’s education because they’ll see the practical benefits,” Mamman added.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) expressed optimism about the long-awaited curriculum, which had been in development for 12 years.
The council’s representative said, “This is a significant moment for Nigeria.
This curriculum will train our children to be globally competitive, skill-oriented, and aligned with the STEM initiative, including digital literacy.
It’s one of the best curricula in Africa.”
The curriculum aims to position Nigeria’s students for success in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and digital literacy, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
