The National Universities Commission (NUC) has underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to drive continuous curriculum reform within Nigerian universities.
This call was made by the acting executive secretary of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki, during the British Council Workshop on Enhancing Curriculum and Pedagogical Approaches in Nigerian Universities, held at the Continental Hotel.
Maiyaki emphasized the necessity for Nigerian universities to continually reform their curricula to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape. He acknowledged the challenges associated with implementing such reforms, noting that despite their importance, realizing the full potential of curriculum renewal often encounters obstacles in implementation.
The workshop coincides with the recent implementation of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), a significant milestone aligned with the Commission’s regulatory framework. Maiyaki highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in developing the new CCMAS, which included input from academic experts, government agencies, professional bodies, and the private sector represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
He elaborated on the extensive consultation process, which incorporated feedback from various stakeholders and drew inspiration from curriculum models of reputable foreign universities. Noteworthy enhancements to the curriculum include the integration of innovative courses like Venture Creation and Entrepreneurship to bolster graduates’ employability skills.
Furthermore, Maiyaki outlined specific changes introduced by the new curriculum, such as the unbundling of certain programs and the establishment of emerging specializations in fields like Agriculture, Mass Communication, and Architecture, aligning with global standards and practices.
Despite these advancements, Maiyaki stressed the importance of viewing curriculum reform as an ongoing process, necessitating continuous development and review to align with evolving global trends. He highlighted the imperative of training university staff, both academic and non-academic, to effectively implement the new curriculum, emphasizing the crucial link between knowledge acquisition and practical application.
Maiyaki reaffirmed the NUC’s commitment to providing training and support to university staff, underscoring the vital role of effective execution in realizing the transformative potential of curriculum reform within Nigerian universities.
