Minister, Research Council Explain New School Curriculum

NIGERIAN teachers at all levels – formative, primary, secondary and tertiary – have been described as the engine that turns the nation’s wheel of development.

This observation was made by the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike yesterday in Awka at the opening ceremony of a 2-day sensitization/advocacy workshop for Senior Secondary School teachers on the newly introduced Senior Secondary Education Curriculum Structure.

The workshop was organised by the South East zonal office of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

According to the minister, who was represented by Dr Solomon Ebobrah, there is no quantifying the immense contribution of teachers to the development of the nation and human capital, “though they are not being adequately compensated and appreciated.”

A teacher himself, Ebobrah therefore urged them to brace up and appreciate themselves as that is the most important.

He said the new curriculum is learner-centred and activity filled which is adapted as key part actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda for national development.

The teachers and stakeholders in the sector were therefore encouraged to propel the new curriculum to succeed.

In declaring the workshop open, the Anambra state Commissioner for education, Dr Uju Okeke who was represented by the state’s Director of Examinations’ Development Centre, Mr. Emeka Oranegbu noted that most people, including the participants were products of the old curriculum, and was happy the new curriculum is adapted to the demands and challenges of the modern world.

He said that a cursory look shows new subjects and other combinations that equip students adequately in their chosen areas with very beneficial theoretical and practical skills.

NERDC Executive Secretary, Prof Godswill Obioma, also noted that the new curriculum was developed to provide trained manpower in Mathematics/Science technology, Humanities and Business, technical Knowledge and Vocational skills necessary for industrial and economic development.

Head of the South East zonal office in Abakaliki, Mr. Nimrod David listed the 74 key subjects in the new programme to include 4 compulsory cross cutting core subjects, viz English Language, General Mathematics, Trade/Entrepreneurship and Civil Education.