In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing the educational framework, Nigeria is set to incorporate vocational skills such as plumbing, hairstyling, and solar installation into its primary school curriculum starting January 2025.
This initiative will require students to learn at least two vocational skills, aligning with the nation’s commitment to fostering practical and entrepreneurial capabilities among its youth.
During a stakeholder meeting held in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Margret Lawani, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, emphasized the importance of this new curriculum, which falls under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework.
She stated, “The vocational and entrepreneurship studies, or the skills, cover different sectors comprising various trades. For instance, in the building and construction industry, we have plumbing, tiling, flooring, and POP installation.”
In addition to construction skills, the curriculum will also focus on the hospitality and leisure sector. Lawani elaborated, “For hospitality and leisure, we have event decoration and management.”
The curriculum further extends to include bakery and confectionery, hairstyling, makeup, and interior design, providing a diverse range of options for pupils.
The services sector will see students gaining hands-on experience in areas such as GSM repairs, satellite or TV antenna installations, and CCTV installation and maintenance.
Lawani highlighted, “We also have solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance, as well as garment making. Another sector is agriculture and processing.”
Within the agriculture domain, pupils will learn critical skills such as beekeeping, horticulture, and poultry farming. Lawani explained, “This sector covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, sheep and goat farming, as well as poultry and rabbit farming. Altogether, we have about 15 different trades or skills newly introduced for basic education.”
Moreover, the new curriculum will prioritize digital literacy as a core subject. Lawani affirmed, “We are introducing basic digital literacy, including IT, robotics, and more.”
This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for various trades but also equips them with essential skills for the digital age, ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are well-prepared for the future job market.