The National Universities Commission (NUC) is set to introduce 12 new programmes into the curriculum of Nigerian universities. The programmes are designed to equip students with 21st-century skills, employability skills, and self-reliance needed to thrive in a dynamic world.
The new programmes include:
- 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
- Islamic Economics and Finance
According to the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the commission received requests from universities and professional bodies for the development of new curriculum after a comprehensive review exercise that lasted over two years. The submissions were analyzed for viability and marketability, and 12 programmes were selected for incorporation into the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
The NUC boss noted that the rapidly evolving landscape of education and knowledge demands a curriculum that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. He urged the reviewers to bring in valuable insights and expertise to draw a befitting curriculum for the new programmes.
The Acting Director, Academic Planning (DAP), Mal. Abubakar Girei, stated that the objective is to improve the quality of university education, enhance advancement of knowledge, and ensure the improvement of Nigeria’s students’ competitiveness in the global space. The final draft curriculum will be subjected to further review before approval by the NUC management and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
