Residents of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for introducing skill-based subjects into the basic education curriculum.
They noted that the new curriculum would promote self-reliance among students and equip them with practical skills needed for the future.
The Federal Government recently approved 15 skill acquisition programmes for inclusion in primary and junior secondary school curricula, following the decision of the National Council on Education. The initiative aims to boost creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship while reducing over-dependence on white-collar jobs.
The new subjects include plumbing, tiling and floor work, POP installation, event decoration and management, bakery and confectionery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, GSM repairs, solar installation and maintenance, garment-making, basic digital literacy, CCTV and intercom installation, agriculture, and food processing.
Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim, Principal of Bright Future Academy, Bwari, described the initiative as timely and transformative for Nigeria’s education system.
“For many years, our schools focused mainly on theory, and many young people graduated without knowing how to apply what they learned,” Ibrahim said. “This new curriculum is different because it will train both the mind and the hands. By the time these children finish secondary school, they will have practical skills to support themselves or even start businesses.”
Mrs. Gloria Oche, a Basic Science teacher, echoed his view, stressing that hands-on learning makes education more effective. “When children practice with their hands, they remember better and gain confidence. Skills like plumbing or decoration not only prepare them for the future but also help them see themselves as problem-solvers,” she said.
Parents also welcomed the development. Mr. James Okeke, a father of two, said the reform was long overdue. “This step is a blessing because it puts skills in the hands of our children early. Even if they don’t get office jobs, they can start something on their own. That reduces unemployment and takes pressure off families,” he said.
Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, a mother of four, added that the policy would build a stronger generation of Nigerians. “Not every child will attend university, but every child can have a skill. A girl who learns garment-making can open her own shop, while a boy who learns plumbing can provide for his family. This is how to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty,” she noted.
Students also expressed excitement about the change. Miss Chiamaka Joseph, a Junior Secondary School student, said she planned to focus on garment-making, while her classmate Musa Usman said he was eager to learn digital literacy. “It will move me beyond playing games to coding and multimedia presentations,” Musa said.