Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has announced that a revised curriculum for primary schools will be introduced starting January 2025.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Monday, Mamman explained that under this new curriculum, students in primary schools will be required to learn at least two vocational skills.
He also mentioned that private primary schools are expected to adopt the curriculum, while an updated version for secondary schools is scheduled for release by September 2025.
The new curriculum will include trades such as plumbing, tiling, hairstyling, flooring, POP (Plaster of Paris), and solar panel installation.
According to the minister, “The aim is for students to complete their schooling with a minimum of two practical skills. This way, they will be better prepared for a successful and productive life.”
Mamman emphasized that the curriculum is based on the National Skills Framework and has been approved for all public and private schools across Nigeria. He also stressed that this change will be mandatory for all schools, and no institution is exempt from implementing it.
He further explained that while the rollout is expected to begin in the upcoming school year, the goal is to have the curriculum fully operational by January 2025, with the secondary school curriculum following by September or October of the same year.
“Our target is to finalize everything by December so that the new curriculum can be implemented across the country by January,” Mamman added.
Regarding the implementation, the minister acknowledged that schools may not be fully ready by January, as new equipment and resources will be needed. He added that the ministry is working on equipping teachers with the necessary skills to teach the new subjects.
He also mentioned plans for meetings with private school stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the curriculum.
“We are focusing on classroom readiness, teacher development, and capacity building. The next three months will be dedicated to these preparations,” Mamman said.
In addition to teacher training, there will be national publicity campaigns to engage stakeholders, particularly in the private sector.
Explaining the advantages of the new curriculum, Mamman highlighted how it will encourage parents and students to value formal education.
He stated, “Some parents hesitate to send their children to school because they see no tangible benefits. Many students graduate without employable skills, making education seem pointless.”
Mamman added, “This new curriculum will change that perspective. Once implemented, students will be eager to attend school, and parents will want to invest in their children’s education because of the practical skills being taught.”
At the same event, Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr. Margret Lawani, elaborated on the vocational and entrepreneurship subjects now part of the curriculum. These subjects aim to introduce students to various trades in multiple industries.
According to Lawani, “The vocational and entrepreneurship curriculum includes sectors such as construction, hospitality, and digital technology. For instance, students will learn plumbing, tiling, floor work, and POP installation in the construction industry.”
In the hospitality sector, students will gain skills in event decoration, management, and bakery.
She added that other skills to be taught include GSM repairs, CCTV, satellite installation, and solar power systems.
“In the services sector, students will learn about GSM repair, satellite and CCTV installation, and solar photovoltaic maintenance,” Lawani noted.
Agricultural training will also be a part of the new curriculum, with lessons on beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming.
Lawani said, “In agriculture, students will be trained in crop production, beekeeping, poultry farming, and more. Overall, around 15 new trades or skills have been introduced at the basic education level.”
Additionally, the curriculum will include basic digital literacy, incorporating subjects such as IT and robotics. “We are introducing foundational digital literacy to complement the vocational skills,” she added.
