Lagos, NERDC brainstorm on reformation of schools curriculum to meet 21st century demands
Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State government under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), on Tuesday brainstormed on the need to review school curriculum to meet up with emerging trends.
The event was the opening day of a three-day conference tagged, ‘2024 Network of Education Service Centre (NESC) Convocation with the theme ‘Repositioning Education Innovation and Service Centres to Address Trends and on Curriculum Reform for Economic Growth in Nigeria,’ held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Participants came from different states such as Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Jigawa, Ondo, Ekiti and FCT.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abayomi Abolaji, who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, enjoined participants to take advantage of the conference to reposition the education sector.
He said the education sector need to adapt to meet the 21st century, adding that the Network of Education Service Centres in Nigeria, NESCN, would play a vital role in supporting the education sector.
“We must prioritize curriculum reform and align with the 21st century. We must harness the power of technology in education. Our education curriculum must be equipped with skills and knowledge and foster a culture of innovation. We must work together as a government and private sector to improve our education system,” he said.
He noted that Lagos State government does not joke with the use of technology in education, adding ‘ that is why the THEMES+ agenda on education and technology are together.
He maintained that innovation and entrepreneurship must be developed to provide solutions for society.
He stated that the government and NERDC must work together by repositioning the service centres so as to set students on the path of success to build a brighter future.
“We can make the difference and create a better future for our youth,” the Commissioner submitted.
The Executive Secretary NERDC, Ismail Jinadu expressed satisfaction over the preparedness of Lagos State government to host the 2024 edition after a long time.
He said NESC whose membership include all state universities, polytechnics and other professional bodies in the country serves as a forum to share ideas on the development and use of educational materials.
He noted that the body also serves to review subjects through reform of school curriculum to engender economic growth.
He stated the purpose of the convocation is to chart a way forward for the education development in the country.
Bayo Adefuye, representative of Lagos SUBEB chairman, Dr Hakeem Shittu, noted that some of the curriculum presently being used are outdated, adding that ‘we must prepare our youths for the future. We should take the convocation very seriously.”
