New curriculum: Every student must graduate with at least two skills

The federal government has announced that every student in Nigeria must graduate with at least two skills under the new curriculum set to roll out for Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

This initiative aims to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and values that connect them to the economy and prepare them for a productive life.

Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, made this statement at the 68th National Council on Education (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. Mamman emphasised the importance of the new curriculum, stating, “The new curriculum is designed to incorporate knowledge, skills, and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that students, when they graduate, will have skills that they can connect with the economy and have a productive life.”

He acknowledged the pressing challenge facing the country’s educational system, noting that “the educational curriculum is all in danger of becoming obsolete as technology is disrupting every industry, including education.”

He further asserted, “A well-designed and effective curriculum determines sustainable development, quality, and the relevance of education. This is the main reason why this administration places priority on the institutionalization of curriculum development in the overall context of education.”

The ministry is implementing the Education Transformation Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to overhaul the education sector comprehensively, ensuring quality learning, skill development, access, and equity.

Prof. Mamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “The government has the primary responsibility of protecting and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels for all learners.”

He emphasised the government’s dedication to upholding all relevant international protocols, conventions, and treaties for the protection of learners, teachers, and educational institutions.

In his welcome address, Dr Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, remarked, “Any nation that is desirous of growth must, in essence, embrace the new culture of creative ideas, entrepreneurship, and the use of digital technology.”

He stressed that to meet the challenges posed by technological advancements, the educational system must be restructured to align with society’s needs and aspirations, adding, “New and relevant ideas must be injected into the system to enhance national development.”