Parents, Teachers Criticise FG Over Sudden Curriculum Rollout

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government’s decision to introduce a new national curriculum has drawn backlash from parents and teachers, who accuse authorities of sidelining stakeholders and rushing the implementation without adequate preparation.

The concerns were raised on Sunday during a virtual meeting themed “Understanding the New Curriculum” hosted by the Concerned Parents and Educators Network. Participants warned that the move, if not carefully managed, could undermine the quality of learning across Nigerian schools.

Child Protection and Education Advocate, Taiwo Akinlami, described the process as exclusionary, lamenting that private school associations, teachers, parents, and even students were not consulted before the announcement.

“If you are rolling out a new curriculum, stakeholders must be part of the process. Instead, what we saw was a sudden announcement, with even those in the school system learning about it at the same time as the public,” Akinlami said.

He noted that Lagos alone has more than 18,000 private schools and 1,700 public schools, most of which only heard of the changes after they were unveiled. He warned that the rollout appeared “more political than educational,” stressing that schools already lack the infrastructure required for subjects such as ICT and agriculture.

Curriculum theorist Rhoda Odigboh welcomed aspects of the reform, which reduces subject loads while introducing digital literacy, trade skills, and citizenship education. She argued that fewer subjects would ease pressure on students and improve mastery but cautioned that Nigeria’s education system was not yet ready for a digital-driven curriculum.

“One-third of basic school teachers and nearly half a million educators lack proper qualifications, while 60 percent of public school teachers do not have digital literacy skills. We cannot ignore these realities,” Odigboh said.

Other speakers, including geographer Dr. Salihu Yahaya, urged professional associations and private operators to engage proactively with government rather than reacting after decisions have been taken. Convener of the CPE Network, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, expressed optimism about the dialogue, insisting that collaboration between government, educators, and parents was critical to making the reform successful.

By Adeola Olaniya | September 8, 2025