BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM REVISED, COMBINES ISLAMIC STUDIES AND CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The first Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) was produced and distributed nationwide in 2007. Its nationwide implementation commenced in Primary 1 and JSS 1 classes in September of 2008 under the banner of Universal Basic Education (UBE). However, a review of the curriculum because paramount in order to address new development in the education and political landscaped of the country, in specific, is the subject offering overload of the 2007 BEC. The 2007 BEC listed 20 subjects, of which students are expected to offer a minimum of 12 and 15 subjects in primary and junior secondary schools respectively. Recommendations by education stakeholders however suggested a reduction of subject offering to between 6 and 13 subjects.

 

The NERDC hence had the mandate to review the 2007 BEC, and the review process commenced in 2011. After consultations and meetings with stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector, NERDC produced the first revised BEC which was approved for use in Nigerian schools by the National Council on Education (NCE) at its 59th meeting held between  24th and 28th of June, 2013.

 

The revised curriculum implementation will commence September 2014, as approved by NCE.
Unlike the present structure of the 2007 BEC, which comprises of 20 subjects’ listings, the reviewed basic education curriculum comprises of a ten (10) subjects framework.

 

The Framework identifies and groups related disciplines, thereby achieving a reduction in subject listings. For instance, Pre-Vocational Studies is a new subject that combines Home Economics and Agricultures, while Religion and Nationals Values (also a new curriculum subject) combined Islamic Studies, Christian Religious Studies, Social Studies, Civic Education, and Security Education.

Summary of New Subject Listing in Revised Curriculum

Primary 1-6

English Studies

Mathematics

Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language i.e of the immediate community)

Basic Science and Technology (BST) combinations of Basic Science, Basic Technology, Physical &

Health Education and Information Technology.

Religion and National Values (RNV) which combines Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Studies,

 

Social Studies, Civic Education and Security Education.

Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)

Arabic Language  (Optional)

French Language : primary 4-6

Pre-Vocational Studies (PVS) : primary 4-6

NOTE

A minimum of 6 subjects; Maximum of 7 subjects is reguired for primary 1-3 while a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 9 subjects are required for primary 4-6. Separate classes should be run for Christian Religious Studies theme and Islamic Studies theme of RNV.

 

JSS 1-3

English Studies

Mathematics

Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)

Business Studies

Basic Science and Technology (BST)

Pre-Vocational Studies (PVS)

Religion and National Values (RNV)

Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)

French Languages

Arabic Language (Optional)

NOTE

A minimum of 9 subjects; Maximum of 10 subjects. Separate classes should be run for Christian Religious Studies theme and Islamic Studies theme of RNV.

Implications

The new curriculum certainly holds many challenges to its implementation. Firstly, the production of standard textbooks for the revised/combined subjects and selection of relevant contents from bulk of content in the now old contents. Secondly, availability of specialized teachers for these subjects. Thirdly, availability of resources for teaching the subjects, particularly in the rural schools. And lastly, its slow/partial implementation, particularly due to the cost to procure book, materials and infrastructures in both private and public schools.