It is no longer news that the academic curriculum in Nigeria ’s educational institutions – nursery, primary, secondary, and tertiary is older than the country itself. They were passed down by the British colonial masters more than sixty years ago. What is news is that civilisation, development, and innovation have left it behind. Most worrisome is the tenacity with which the education regulatory bodies in Nigeria, notably West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), National Universities Commission (NUC), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), are pushing for a holistic usage and application of these not-fit-for-purpose and out-dated contents that neither serve the public nor the business world and that have been implemented for decades on end.
Other economies, including Britain, have since moved on to improve their curriculum with current and practical contents, which have ensured the production of innovative and highly creative graduates. Back here in Nigeria, there is an over-reliance on paper qualifications as opposed to the skills and can-do attitude of an individual. This then means that the knowledge passed across to students is tantamount to a waste of time and resources, because knowledge attained through an obsolete or archaic curriculum is neither valued in the current dispensation of organisational development, nor capable of preparing these learners for future challenges or tasks.
Curriculum change is an integral part of the evolution of education, often driven by the need to either improve management or better align with global demands. Changes to an institution’s curriculum impact the entire academic community: students, educators, and parents. While these changes can be challenging to implement, they bring numerous added benefits that not only enhance the overall educational experience but also better prepare students for future endeavours.
One significant impact of curriculum change is the modernisation of educational content. As society evolves, so too must the materials students engage with. Updated curricula often introduce new subjects and incorporate modern technologies that reflect the skills and knowledge required in today’s job market. For instance, a curriculum that integrates digital literacy, coding, and data science ensures that students are not only literate but also equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in a digital world. This means that contemporary education prepares students for the demands of an increasingly global and fast-paced environment.
Curriculum changes also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While traditional education models often emphasised rote learning, modern reformed curricula focus on applying knowledge effectively, encouraging students to engage in higher-order thinking. This shift allows students to relate more deeply to the material through analysis, evaluation, and creation, rather than merely recalling information. Project-based learning, for example, enables students to become active participants in their own learning through collaborative assignments and inquiry-based approaches, equipping them to tackle real-world challenges.
Another positive impact is that curriculum changes aim to be inclusive and culturally aware, accommodating students from all sectors of society. A more diverse curriculum, whether in perspective, culture, or history, helps students understand the world from a more nuanced viewpoint and find their place within it. This broadens students’ horizons and fosters an inclusive classroom environment where all students are valued and represented.
For educators, curriculum changes offer opportunities for professional development and instructional innovation. Adapting to a new curriculum often requires teachers to acquire new skills and expertise, especially when changes involve new technologies or teaching strategies. This continuous learning is beneficial, helping educators stay abreast of the latest trends in education and educational research. By incorporating new methods and tools into their teaching, educators can create more engaging and effective learning experiences, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes.
In an article by Charles Ogwo on curriculum in Nigeria, he captures the reality of our current debacle. The experts argue that the current curriculum is not the best quality that the country deserves. Because according to them, it has not been empowering graduates to explore the peculiarities of contemporary daily realities. An educational expert at Landmark Schools shared that our curriculum is like a child who is not growing and developing, yet he is in a sector that does not condone failure and stagnation.
Parents are also affected by curriculum changes, particularly in how they engage with their children’s education. A new curriculum often necessitates increased communication between schools and families, as parents need to understand the changes and how they affect the type of support they can provide at home. This enhanced interaction strengthens the home-school partnership, ensuring more consistent support for students both academically and personally. Moreover, a curriculum that addresses relevant real-world topics allows parents to see the tangible benefits of their children’s education, encouraging greater parental involvement in school-related activities.
An important impact of curriculum change lies in the alignment of teaching and assessment methods with the latest educational research. As new insights into how students learn best emerge, curricula can be reshaped to incorporate these findings and enhance the educational experience. For example, differentiation techniques in instruction, formative assessments, and the integration of technology can be employed to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that all children can reach their full potential. The Nigerian academic curriculum and the need for a review also address these issues succintly.
Tellingly, curriculum changes prepare students for informed and active global citizenship. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial for students to be aware of global issues, such as cultural diversity and the impact of their actions on other parts of the world. A curriculum that fosters global perspectives, environmental education, and social responsibility encourages students to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider their role in the wider world. This global outlook is essential for developing the empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking skills needed to navigate and contribute to a complex and diverse global community.
In conclusion, the step-by-step process will involve defining the educational challenges in the Nigerian system and then evaluating the different options available to ameliorate these challenges in line with doable alternatives. Proposals for curriculum evaluations should be initiated to increase education methodological quality in order to improve curriculum implementation. Emphasis on scientifically valid research should be encouraged, and potential funding from government and private bodies should be initiated to ensure that there are improvements in all aspects of the nation’s economy for better quality of life for citizens. It is expected that the above will de-emphasise the deleterious desire for paper certificate acquisitions without proportionate acquisition of practical knowledge.
Although, curriculum changes may be challenging, they bring numerous benefits that enhance the educational experience for students, educators, and parents alike. Through modernising and updating content, promoting critical thinking, fostering inclusivity, supporting professional growth for educators, and encouraging active parental involvement, curriculum changes positively impact education. As schools continue to adapt to the ever-growing demands of society, these changes will play a crucial role in preparing students for future success.
