- The Nigerian government is committed to implementing a new curriculum aimed at addressing the learning crisis and enhancing student skills
- Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman highlighted the need for educational reforms to improve learning outcomes and foster critical thinking among students
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to implementing a new curriculum for basic and senior secondary schools in Nigeria, designed to tackle the ongoing learning crisis and enhance student skill development. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized this during a Stakeholders’ Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee Meeting organized by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, Prof. Mamman highlighted the alarming state of education in Nigeria, noting that the global learning crisis significantly impacts the country. He pointed out that out of every five children in the world, one is out of school, and that child is likely to be Nigerian. Moreover, among the children in Nigeria, at least one in four suffers from poor numeracy, poor learning outcomes, and a lack of critical thinking skills, all of which hinder national development.
“The new curriculum, once completed and introduced, will address these challenges by improving learning outcomes, reinforcing value systems, and exposing students to various skill development opportunities, including job-creating skills,” Mamman stated. He added that the curriculum aims to foster independent thinking, innovation, and problem-solving abilities among learners.
The minister also emphasized the administration’s focus on revitalizing the education sector to create a vibrant workforce capable of seizing opportunities within the economic landscape. He noted that the curriculum review is crucial for changing teaching methods to enhance children’s perception and understanding, thereby equipping them to contribute meaningfully to society.