Starting January 2025, Nigerian pupils will be required to acquire at least two vocational skills as part of the restructured basic education curriculum
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a groundbreaking update to the basic school curriculum, introducing vocational subjects such as plumbing, hairstyling, and solar installation. This new curriculum, set to take effect from January 2025, is aimed at equipping pupils with practical skills by the time they graduate.
During a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, highlighted the importance of vocational education in addressing unemployment and boosting self-sufficiency. According to the minister, all pupils will be required to learn at least two vocational skills before completing their education.
He explained, “The new curriculum is based on the National Skills Framework, and it applies to both public and private schools. By the time students finish their schooling, they should be able to contribute productively to society with a minimum of two acquired skills.”
The curriculum includes vocations such as plumbing, tiling, floor works, solar installation, and hairstyling, among others. Private schools are mandated to adopt the curriculum, while an updated version for secondary schools will be ready by September 2025.
Mamman emphasized that while the new curriculum will officially begin in January 2025, full implementation may take time as schools will need to acquire the necessary equipment and prepare their teachers. “We expect schools to gradually adopt the new curriculum, ensuring that teachers are properly trained and classrooms are well-prepared for the shift,” he added.
To support this initiative, the Ministry of Education is working closely with stakeholders in the private education sector. Teachers will receive the necessary training and support to ensure successful implementation across the country.
Professor Mamman believes that this overhaul will restore the value of education for many families. “Currently, some parents see little value in sending their children to school, as they often graduate without any tangible skills. With this curriculum, students will leave school ready to work or start their own businesses, making education more attractive,” he said.
Dr. Margret Lawani, Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, elaborated on the vocational and entrepreneurial courses being introduced. These include skills in industries such as building, hospitality, and digital technology.
“We have designed the curriculum to expose pupils to various trades,” Lawani explained. “In the building sector, for example, students will learn plumbing, tiling, and POP installation, while in the hospitality sector, they will acquire skills like event management, bakery, and hairstyling.”
Other skills include GSM repairs, CCTV installation, and agricultural practices like beekeeping and horticulture. Furthermore, digital literacy, including IT and robotics, will be integrated as a core subject, preparing students for a technology-driven future.
The new curriculum aims to equip Nigerian pupils with the vocational and digital skills needed to thrive in the modern world, fostering a generation of self-reliant and productive citizens.
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