Checkout 12 New Courses NUC Is To Introduce To Nigerian Universities
The National Universities Commission (NUC) plans to implement 12 new programs in the curriculum of universities throughout Nigeria, aimed at providing students with essential 21st-century skills, employability competencies, and self-sufficiency necessary for success in an ever-changing environment. Reports from the Nigerian Tribune indicate that these 12 programs were either overlooked or not included in the previous curriculum review conducted by the NUC when establishing the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Nigerian universities.
The 12 new programmes to be introduced are:
Artificial Intelligence;
Classical Christian Education;
Community Health Science;
Cooperative Economics and Management Studies; Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science;
Geomatics Engineering Intelligence and Security Studies;
Parasitology and Entomology;
Sports Management;
Telecommunication Science;
Water Sanitation and Hygiene,
and Islamic Economics and Finance.
It has been reported that a committee was established to refine the programs to be integrated into the CCMAS across various disciplines within Nigerian universities, following the necessary validation from stakeholders. The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, commented on this initiative, explaining that it was prompted by numerous requests from universities and professional organizations for the creation of new curricula after a thorough review process that spanned over two years. He mentioned that the proposals were evaluated for their feasibility and market relevance, resulting in the selection of 12 programs for inclusion in the CCMAS.
Ribadu emphasized that the commission is authorized to establish minimum standards for all universities and degree-awarding institutions in Nigeria, as well as to accredit their degrees and academic qualifications, a power derived from Section 10 (1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap. E3, Laws of the Federation, 2004 (previously Act No. 16 of 1985 as amended). He highlighted the rapidly changing educational landscape, which necessitates a curriculum that not only delivers knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation, ensuring that Nigerian students acquire the 21st-century skills, employability skills, and self-sufficiency essential for success in a dynamic environment. Ribadu called upon the reviewers to contribute their valuable insights and expertise as seasoned resource persons and subject matter experts to develop a suitable curriculum for the new programs, while considering the nation’s aspiration for local content and uniqueness in alignment with global best practices.
The head of the NUC urged participants to provide constructive recommendations aimed at addressing any identified weaknesses, rather than merely criticizing the existing framework as inadequate. He expressed that the NUC recognizes and values their contributions, sacrifices, and services over the years, particularly during national assignments of this nature, encouraging them to maintain their high standards of performance while assuring that the Commission will always appreciate such dedication.
The Acting Director of Academic Planning at the NUC, Mal. Abubakar Girei, informed the Nigerian Tribune that the goal of the review exercise is to enhance the quality of university education, promote the advancement of knowledge, and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian students on a global scale. He noted that each panel includes two NUC representatives to provide appropriate guidance, particularly regarding academic planning, and that resource persons were meticulously chosen based on their specialized expertise. Mal. Girei added that these resource persons were selected from the six geopolitical zones to represent various programs across the country, as it is impractical to gather all professors from the NUS for the curriculum development process.
He revealed that the final draft curriculum, which constitutes 70 percent of the output from the exercise, will undergo further review before receiving approval from the NUC management and the Federal Executive Council, while the remaining 30 percent will be allocated to universities for development, consistent with previous exercises.
