Schools Struggle With New Curriculum Two Weeks After Resumption

Two weeks into the 2025/2026 academic session, many schools across the country are still grappling with the federal government’s new curriculum, especially in implementing trade and vocational subjects.

A Vanguard Learning check revealed that while private schools in big cities are able to acquire equipment for subjects like fashion design, garment making, and livestock farming, most public schools are struggling with lack of teachers and facilities for areas such as solar installation, GSM repairs, and beauty and cosmetology. In primary schools, digital literacy and pre-vocational studies are already proving difficult due to shortage of teachers and materials.

Education experts have urged caution, warning that immediate rollout without adequate preparation could backfire. At a forum organised by the Concerned Parents and Educators Network, Taiwo Akinwalemi described Nigeria as being “about 60 years behind in curriculum development” but questioned whether the hurried implementation was educational or political. He noted that infrastructure gaps, shortage of teachers, and over 20 million out-of-school children remain unaddressed.

School administrator Rhoda Odigboh also pointed to a shortfall of 190,000 qualified teachers and noted that 60 percent of public school teachers are not computer literate, while a large percentage of the population lacks internet access. She argued that pilot schemes should be done before full adoption.

Dr. Salisu Yahaya, a former director in the FCT Department of Education Quality Assurance, stressed the need for inclusive education and urged greater involvement of private school owners in shaping the policy.

However, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) maintains that the reforms are well-founded. Its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the curriculum was developed through broad stakeholder consultations and aligns with global best practices. He explained that it will equip students with digital, vocational, and citizenship skills including basic robotics, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, while fostering national unity and moral values.

Despite government assurances, teachers and administrators say the absence of trained manpower, textbooks, and infrastructure means full implementation will remain a challenge in the near term.