By Ayobami Okerinde

The Nigerian government has announced a new curriculum for basic schools, set to be implemented nationwide in January 2025. This curriculum, based on the National Skills Framework, focuses on skill acquisition and mandates both public and private schools to adopt it.

The newly introduced subjects is categorised under the vocational and entrepreneurship skills framework, where students will be exposed to various trades across multiple sectors. These include building and construction (plumbing, tiling, POP installation), agriculture (beekeeping, crop production, animal farming), and hospitality (bakery, event management). Other skills to be covered include hairstyling, garment making, phone repairs, and solar installation. Digital literacy, IT, and robotics will also be core subjects, ensuring students are equipped with modern technical skills for the future.

The new curriculum aims to equip basic education students with real-world, marketable skills, ensuring they learn at least two practical skills by the end of primary school. However, according to education expert Temitope Faloye, these technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship subjects should initially serve as an introductory phase, rather than expecting students to master these skills at a young age. This approach will enable students to investigate different trades, lay a foundation, and gain more in-depth information, as they progress in their studies.

In keeping with the ultimate objective and the global movement towards entrepreneurship and vocational training, the government intends to expand this curriculum into secondary education to guarantee that students are both academically capable and possess real-world skills that improve their employability and independence.

According to Temitope Faloye, this strategy will assist students in developing their abilities, selecting specialised fields, and pursuing higher education or careers. This program provides a fulfilling route for developing skills and preparing for the workforce in Nigeria’s changing educational landscape.

Since technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills are becoming increasingly significant in today’s world, experts suggest that the new curriculum ought to be implemented in secondary schools as well as in higher education.

In specialised fields, universities could use project-based frameworks and business development models, which could result in spin-offs or startups, says education expert. By combining fundamental technical skills with business savvy, this method would enable students to graduate with both academic credentials and talents that are applicable to the workplace, says education expert.

Developed nations with structured elementary and secondary education systems include the US, China, and Australia. If students achieve the fundamental requirements, they usually move on to the junior secondary school automatically. In Australia’s primary and lower secondary school curricula Technologies (Digital and Design Technology), and Languages are among the core subjects covered. Students in upper secondary specialise in subjects related to their future educational or employment aspirations.

They have the option of selecting academic courses targeted at university entrance or vocational education and training courses that blend classroom instruction with real-world application. A range of educational and employment options are guaranteed by vocational paths, which provide alternatives to university.

In the United States, secondary school students can choose technology and vocational career education electives to prepare for college or university. Similarly, in China, students can pursue separate tracks for vocational training or academic advancement. However, unlike developed countries where technology and vocational education often begin at the secondary level or even in primary school the proposed curriculum in Nigeria aims to introduce both technical and vocational skills starting from primary education, says Temitope.

Education expert Temitope Faloye, advise introducing technical and vocational skills at a basic level, allowing students to discover their interests and establish a strong foundation in their chosen fields. As they progress through secondary school, students should have the opportunity to focus on skills that align with their interests and future academic and career aspirations, thereby deepening their competencies.

This approach will prepare them to pursue tertiary education or become self-employed in their skilled vocation after secondary school. Furthermore, for those who choose to attend tertiary institutions, these higher education programs should also foster additional skills, such as entrepreneurship and technology expertise, enabling students to achieve their career goals.