The Nigerian government has unveiled an exciting upgrade to the basic education curriculum, introducing 16 new practical subjects designed to equip students with essential skills for employability.
These additions, which include plumbing, hairstyling, makeup artistry, and digital literacy, aim to provide young learners with hands-on knowledge that prepares them for the demands of the modern job market.
Announced on Thursday by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the changes will take effect in January 2025, targeting primary and junior secondary school students nationwide. According to the NOA, the initiative is part of a broader effort to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among the next generation.
The new subjects span a variety of trades and skills, such as tiling and floor works, POP installation, event decoration and management, bakery and confectioneries, interior design, GSM repairs, and satellite/TV antenna installation. Other areas of focus include CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar energy solutions, garment making, and agriculture, encompassing crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, poultry, and rabbit farming. Basic digital literacy, including IT and robotics, has also been introduced to prepare students for the technology-driven future.
With these changes, the government aims to nurture a more versatile and skilled workforce, empowering students to explore diverse career paths and entrepreneurial opportunities.
