FG Faces Backlash Over Sudden Curriculum Rollout

Teachers and parents have criticised the Federal Government over the sudden introduction of the new national curriculum, warning that schools are unprepared and that the rushed implementation could compromise learning quality.

According to a report by PUNCH, the stakeholders raised their concerns on Sunday evening during a virtual meeting titled “Understanding the New Curriculum”, organised by the Concerned Parents and Educators Network. Many expressed fears that the rollout excluded critical voices and lacked proper planning.

Child Protection and Education Advocate, Taiwo Akinlami, described the process as exclusionary.

“If you are rolling out a new curriculum, stakeholders such as private school associations, parents, teachers and even children who have the right to participate in education decisions must be part of the process. Instead, what we saw was a sudden announcement, leaving even those in the school system learning about it at the same time as the general public,” he said.

Akinlami stressed that in Lagos alone, there are over 18,000 private schools and 1,700 public schools, yet most operators only became aware of the review when it was announced.

He warned that the decision appeared more political than educational and raised concerns about infrastructure gaps, particularly in ICT and agriculture.
“Government schools already struggling with resources will not cope, while private schools will face rising costs without being allowed to adjust fees,” he added.

Parents also questioned how the reform would address Nigeria’s over 20 million out-of-school children.
“If we are serious about education reform, we must ask what provision has been made for them. Are we building classrooms or developing alternative learning pathways, perhaps through technology?” Akinlami queried.

Curriculum theorist Rhoda Odigboh noted that the reform, which reduces subjects and introduces digital literacy, trade skills, and citizenship studies, was a step forward but highlighted the challenges of implementation.

“For years, Nigerian children carried a heavy load at senior secondary level, some with up to 20 subjects. Teachers skimmed, students skimmed, nobody mastered. Fewer subjects mean we can finally slow down and support struggling learners. That is real progress,” she said.

She, however, warned that the system is not yet equipped for digital literacy.
“One-third of basic school teachers and nearly half a million educators lack proper qualifications, while 60 per cent of public school teachers do not have digital literacy skills. We cannot ignore these realities,” she added.

Also weighing in, Dr. Salihu Yahaya of the Association of Nigerian Geographers urged professional bodies and school operators to engage proactively with the government. “We must influence curriculum content at the policy level rather than reacting after decisions have already been made,” he said.

Convener of CPE and CEO of Edumark Consult, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue.
“This discussion shows that teachers, parents and associations have a voice. We must get more involved and hold government accountable,” she stressed.