Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
In order to curtail the level of unemployment in the country especially among the Nigerian youths, the federal government has taken a bold step to tackle it.
This includes the announcement of a new curriculum for technical education.
The government said the new curriculum was crafted to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future.
It stated that there are 26 subjects in the new curriculum which include bricklaying, fishing, motorcycle and tricycle repair, plumbing and pipe fitting, refrigeration and air-conditioning works, beauty therapy and cosmetology, satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance, automobile CNG conversion and maintenance, among others.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa said that under the new curriculum structure, all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) will now operate fully as Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
In addition to that, each college will offer a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 trade subjects, while students will take between nine and 10 subjects.
This must include one trade subject, five or six general subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Biology, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, two or three trade-related subjects, and one elective.
The Minister said the reforms were aimed to focus on students learning relevant trades to serve industry needs while strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing, services, and digital economy.
“The introduction of Citizenship and Heritage Studies, which combines Nigerian History, Civic Education, and Social Studies, will ensure that students are grounded in national values while pursuing technical skills.”
He stressed that the new curriculum will better position students to compete in the global economy, ensuring they are gainfully employed and contributing meaningfully to national development, assuring schools, parents, and students of full support for a smooth transition.