In a pivotal move aimed at nurturing creativity and innovation in the country’s youth, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to overhaul the curriculum for basic schools. The announcement was made by Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, during a panel session on National Child Well-being at the 29th Nigeria Economic Summit.
Mamman stressed the inadequacy of the current numeracy and literacy-focused curriculum to prepare Nigerian children for the complexities of the modern world. He underscored the significance of instilling soft skills, including critical thinking and practical abilities, in students from the foundational stage to enhance the quality of education.
“We are going to rejig the curriculum for basic schools. We want to strengthen some level of critical thinking at that level. The teaching has to be in a way to nurture their capability at that stage to think critically,” declared the Minister.
Furthermore, Mamman emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the neglected area of basic education. To tackle the issue of low attendance and a high number of out-of-school children in basic schools, the government is formulating policies to increase enrollment.
Addressing the dire need for better learning facilities and opportunities, the Minister pointed out the shortfall of 950,000 teachers and 20,000 classrooms in the country. He assured that the government is actively working to bridge these gaps and improve the security of schools, especially in vulnerable areas, to safeguard children.
The holistic approach to human capital development was further emphasized by Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Pate highlighted the government’s efforts to expand and recalibrate the Vulnerable Group Fund to provide health insurance for the most economically disadvantaged citizens, ensuring health security for all. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a concerted effort to shape a brighter and more innovative future for the nation’s youth.
