FG Introduces 15 Trades (Skills) in New Basic Education Curriculum

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of 15 skills in the basic education curriculum to provide students with more practical and hands-on learning opportunities, aimed at boosting the skills and employability of graduates from primary and junior secondary schools. These trades will help students develop valuable skills that can lead to employment opportunities or further education in technical fields. The goal is to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for the workforce and equips them with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career pathway.

Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced this on Monday during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja. The implementation of the new Basic Education curriculum would commence by January 2025.

The newly introduced skills for Basic Education Curriculum are as follows –

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, sheep and goat farming, poultry, and rabbit farming)

15. Basic Digital Literacy (IT and Robotics)

The meeting was conveyed to discuss the modality and as well tidy some aspects of the curriculum, while also giving a timeless for implementation, support, monitoring and evaluation. He said the next three months would be used as preparatory stage and designing curriculum guides for the teachers.

The Minister stated that school pupils/students would be exposed to all the occupational subjects, but ultimately, they would be able to choose one or two entrepreneurship skills/trades before graduating. The new curriculum is designed to integrate knowledge, skills, and values, with a particular focus on skills/trades. This is to ensure that school children graduate with practical skills that can make useful and productive to themselves.