The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a revised curriculum for basic and senior secondary schools, following extensive stakeholder engagement nationwide. According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the rollout of the new curriculum was preceded by comprehensive consultations with critical stakeholders across the country.
The review process, led by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) under the supervision of the Ministry, adopted both competency and outcome-based approaches to strengthen the curriculum. The reform was a step-by-step and participatory process designed to ensure inclusivity, national ownership, and international relevance.
The journey began with a nationwide needs assessment in 12 states to identify gaps in the system, followed by dialogues across the six geopolitical zones. Stakeholders, including learners, teachers, parents, civil society groups, employers, religious and traditional leaders, policymakers, and development partners, contributed their perspectives to shape the new curriculum framework.
The framework was formally ratified at the 68th National Council on Education meeting held on October 10, 2024, which was attended by ministers of education, commissioners of education, and other key stakeholders. The curriculum design and development involved subject specialists, teacher educators, industry practitioners, and curriculum experts across the country, following four technical stages: content selection and standardization, drafting, critique and refinement, and final editing.
Since the approval, the Ministry has implemented the curriculum in phases over the past nine months, including piloting in selected schools, orientation for teachers, and nationwide training delivered both physically and online. The revised curriculum combines competency and outcome-based approaches to prepare learners for the challenges of today and tomorrow, aligning with global standards while meeting Nigeria’s developmental needs.
Details of the curriculum are available on the NERDC website. The Ministry has assured Nigerians that the revised curriculum will continue to be implemented seamlessly across schools, providing a stronger foundation for the country’s education system. The introduction of the new curriculum marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria, with potential long-term benefits for the country’s development and growth.
