Federal Government Introduces 15 Skill Acquisition Courses in New Educational Curriculum Reform

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant reform in the nation’s educational curriculum by introducing 15 skill acquisition courses for Primary and Junior Secondary Schools, set to commence in the 2025 academic year. This new policy will allow students to select and specialize in one skill, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge over their nine years of schooling, from Primary 1 to JSS 3.

According to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) via their official X account, “Students will choose a particular skill out of the 15 and obtain both theoretical and practical knowledge before promotion to another class.”

The NBTE further explained, “Starting from 2025, students will be able to select one skill from Primary 1 to JSS 3.”

The 15 Skill Acquisition Courses Are:

1. Plumbing
2. Tiling and Floor Works
3. POP Installation
4. Event Decoration and Management
5. Bakery and Confectioneries
6. Hairstyling
7. Makeup
8. Interior Design
9. GSM Repairs
10. Satellite/TV Antenna Installation
11. CCTV, Intercom Installation, and Maintenance
12. Solar Installation and Maintenance
13. Garment Making
14. Agriculture and Processing (including crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, poultry, and rabbit farming)
15. Basic Digital Literacy (IT and Robotics)

Teacher Training – A Key Focus

The successful implementation of this policy depends heavily on teacher preparation. NBTE emphasized the importance of having well-prepared instructors who are regularly trained and retrained to keep pace with the evolving demands of these skill areas.

“Teachers will be trained, retrained, and employed in both public and private schools across the country,” the board noted.

This extensive teacher development program will be rolled out nationwide, ensuring that instructors can effectively deliver the necessary practical and theoretical knowledge to students throughout their skill-acquisition journey.

Why This Matters

The introduction of skill acquisition into the school curriculum aligns with Nigeria’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among its youth, especially in light of the country’s ongoing unemployment challenges.

As of the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s unemployment rate increased to 5.3%, up from 5.0% in the third quarter of 2023, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Unemployment rates for females (6.2%) were significantly higher than for males (4.3%), with urban areas more affected (6.0%) compared to rural areas (4.3%).

Youth unemployment, while seeing a slight decline to 8.4% from 8.6%, remains a critical issue. By educational attainment, individuals with post-graduate education have a low unemployment rate of 2.0%, while those with post-secondary education face a rate of 9.0%. Secondary school graduates experience a 6.9% unemployment rate, and those with only primary education stand at 4.0%.

These statistics underscore the need for educational reform that equips young Nigerians with practical, in-demand skills, helping to address the high unemployment rate and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs. By embedding skill acquisition into the curriculum, the government aims to prepare students for the realities of today’s job market and promote a culture of entrepreneurship.