The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced that the implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) will commence in September 2023.
The CCMAS document aims to guide universities in designing curricula for their programs, introducing innovative content and delivery methods that align with the educational goals and aspirations of the nation.
During the Stakeholders’ Colloquium on CCMAS in Abuja, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, emphasized that this initiative is geared towards propelling Nigerian universities to be among the best in Africa.
Under the CCMAS, 70% of the curriculum will be standardized, while the remaining 30% will be determined by individual universities.
Maiyaki believes that this implementation will shape the future of the education sector in Nigeria. He stated, “The development of CCMAS reflects a global initiative that will equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for the nation’s development.”
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, encouraged universities to make optimal use of their 30% input in the curriculum development process. He stressed the importance of acquiring both technical and soft skills that are relevant in the university environment, the country, and the global community at large.
Prof. Mamman urged universities to develop a strategy that ensures they provide highly skilled and employable graduates who can contribute to national development efforts. He also commended universities that have already submitted their 30% curriculum input and urged others to do so promptly.
The Former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Michael Faborode, emphasized that the CCMAS aims to promote diversification and differentiation in the Nigerian higher education system. It provides conceptual administrative guidelines and a harmonized legal framework to ensure that universities are globally relevant and competitive.
The development of the CCMAS began in 2018 as an expansion of the existing curriculum guide, the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS). The 17 disciplines covered by the CCMAS include Administration, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Architecture, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Computing, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine and Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
The NUC’s commitment to implementing the CCMAS demonstrates its dedication to quality and global competitiveness in Nigerian universities.
NAN
