Abuja: The British Council has partnered with the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the development of curriculum in tertiary institutions. Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at the British Council, emphasized the importance of this partnership during a workshop on Enhancing Curriculum and Pedagogical Approaches in Nigerian Universities, highlighting the necessity to align with global trends.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Onyemerela pointed out the need to transition from traditional teaching methods to digital literacy as a means of addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that the NUC has introduced the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which focus on fostering critical thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills among graduates. Overcoming the deeply rooted traditional methods in the university system will require concerted efforts to challenge the status quo.
Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for continuous curriculum reform in Nigerian universities to keep up with a rapidly changing world. He acknowledged the challenges that come with initiating such reforms, particularly in the implementation phase, which can sometimes hinder the full realization of curriculum renewal.
Maiyaki expressed satisfaction that the workshop coincided with the implementation of the newly developed CCMAS, a result of sustained interactions and engagements with various stakeholders, including academic experts, government representatives, professional bodies, and the private sector. The inputs from these stakeholders, along with curricula from renowned foreign universities, formed the foundation for the development of innovative courses aimed at enhancing graduate employability.
The new curriculum features unbundled programs such as the Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, and Bachelor of Architecture, incorporating emerging specializations aligned with global practices. Maiyaki emphasized that curriculum development and review will be ongoing processes to remain in step with global trends.