Reps ask FG to review school curriculum

The House of Representatives adopted a motion on Thursday, paving the way for a potential overhaul of the curriculum in Nigerian schools, affecting primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

Following a motion titled “Review of the Nigerian Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Schools to Align with Current Global Market Needs and Contemporary Realities,” moved by Hon. Bamidele Salam, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Osun State.

Salam, leading the debate on the motion, highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria’s outdated curriculum for primary and secondary schools and the modern, innovative education systems of advanced nations.

He argued that while the curriculum equips students with knowledge “it prioritises 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 lawmaker said,

The existing curriculum, he said, fell short of developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, arguing that “advanced economies prioritise fostering analytical abilities and encouraging students to approach challenges with innovative solutions.”

The lawmaker further noted that the curriculum in developed nations often integrates practical training and exposure to real-world scenarios, preparing students for the specific demands of the job market, unlike the current national curriculum.

“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,” Salam said,

The House, following its resolution, urged the Federal Ministry of Education in conjunction with state Ministries of Education to “Conduct a comprehensive review of the curriculum across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.”

It also urged the Federal Government to align the curriculum with evolving global market demands which emphasise skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability.

The House also called on the government to “integrate practical applications, promote critical thinking and innovation, and enhance digital literacy.”

The Lawmakers further called on the Federal Government to “address resource disparities and ensure equitable access to qualified teachers, updated learning materials, and proper infrastructure.”

As a result, the House of Representatives directed the Federal Ministry of Education to thoroughly reassess and revamp its approach to implementing the national policy on education.

The motion was subsequently referred to the House Committees on Basic Education and Services, as well as University Education, for further scrutiny and oversight.