The British Council has partnered with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to design curricula for tertiary institutions.
Chikodi Onyemerela, the Director of Programmes at the British Council, addressed attendees at a workshop titled “Enhancing Curriculum and Pedagogical Approaches in Nigerian Universities” in Abuja on Monday.
He disclosed that this partnership was essential to align with global trends, highlighting the importance of transitioning from conventional teaching and learning methods to digital literacy in problem-solving.
“NUC has since introduced the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which emphasises the cultivation of critical thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills among graduates. It is imperative for our educational institutions to adapt accordingly.
“We must acknowledge the hurdles ahead of the traditional approach to teaching and learning, which has long been entrenched in our university system and is not easily overturned.
“To change this will require a concerted effort from each of us to challenge the status quo,” he said.
Furthermore, Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), urged for collective endeavors to instigate ongoing curriculum reform in Nigerian universities.
He underscored the necessity for perpetual curriculum reform in Nigerian universities to facilitate their adaptation to a rapidly evolving world.
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“Continuous curriculum reform has been considered a necessary measure to assist schools in responding to a fast-changing world.
“Continuous curriculum reform has been considered a necessary measure to assist schools in responding to a fast-changing world.
“Initiating such reforms is not without challenges, as sometimes the actualisation of the curriculum renewal is not fully realised due to implementation challenges.
“The new CCMAS is a product of sustained stakeholder interactions and engagement over the years. This involved a blend of academic experts, government (represented by NUC), professional bodies, and the private sector represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG),” he said.
Mr Maiyaki said these inputs, along with the curriculum of programmes obtained from some foreign and renowned universities, served as major working materials for the various panels constituted for that purpose.
“Innovative courses such as venture creation, entrepreneurship (programme specific) and innovation, among others, were incorporated into the general studies courses to enhance graduates’ employability skills,” he said.
Mr Maiyaki then explained that the new curriculum break up the Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, and Bachelor of Architecture programs, while introducing emerging specializations within these fields to align with global standards.
However, he emphasized that this is an ongoing process, as curriculum development and review will continue to ensure alignment with current global trends.
