Education
NUC’s New Varsity Curriculum receives commendation from GUNi-AFRICA, AAU, Others
The development and launch of the new Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in curriculum re-engineering by the National Universities Commission (NUC) has recieved commendations from experts
Executive Secretary of the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) Africa, Professor Juma Shabani, the Secretary General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Olusola Oyewole and scholars at a global quality assurance conference held in Washington, DC, have indicated that CCMAS would enhance quality teaching and learning in Nigerian Universities.
Professor Shabani, a former head of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Bamako Cluster Office and had participated similar exercises, referred to the process as “revolutionary” and worth emulating by other African countries in the quest to attain the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
At the post-launch sensitisation workshop held for Vice-Chancellors, Professor Oyewole who delivered the keynote address was excited about what he labelled as “the future-fit curricula” and described NUC’s efforts as “building the future today”.
According to him “the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, has become the instrument for restoring the originality in the Nigerian university system. He is returning to the Nigerian university system confidence and trust”.
Scholars who got a preview of the CCMAS at the 2023 global conference of the Washington-based Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) International Quality Group (CIQG) held between January 23 and 26, were unanimous in applauding the giant strides of Nigeria and eager to receive updates on the full implementation of the new curriculum.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on return from the Washington conference, the chairman of the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee (STRADVCOM) Professor Peter Okebukola attributed the trajectory to the far-sightedness of Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed who has fired a revolution in the Nigerian university system guided by the Blueprint on Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria (2019-2023)
According to Okebukola “the curriculum re-engineering process under Professor Rasheed is not just a quick fix which began few months ago as wrongly portrayed by some.
” It is a six-step process which began with a sensitisation lecture about five years ago. This was followed by survey of the gaps in the existing curricula of Nigerian universities.
” The input from the findings formed the basis of a revised edition of the curricula by teams of national and international experts in the disciplines, and private sector players led by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
” The next step was input from Departments and Faculties in the Nigerian university system funnelled to NUC through the Senate of the Universities. Now came the very rigorous step of review which took the better part of 16 months.
” The review teams were carefully selected from among the best scholars in their disciplines, members of professional bodies and Academies. The product of the review which underwent further validation was unveiled on December 5, 2022 by the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the Secretary to Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha.
Okebukola who is a former Executive Secretary of NUC stressed that some, out of ignorance, believe that NUC has no business with facilitating curriculum development and minimum standards setting for universities, and failing to note that such power is pursuant to the provisions of Education (National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions) Act No. E3 L.F.N. 2004, and National Universities Commission Act No. N81 Laws of Federation Nigeria (L.F.N.) 2011, which empower the National Universities Commission (NUC) to set minimum academic standards for Nigerian universities.
Okebukola who has observed similar quality assurance-related exercises across the world, singled out Professor Rasheed’s model as one of the best in Africa as it embeds two follow-up activities in the package.
According to him, “One is the intensive training/capacity building of implementers of the CCMAS, a project that is to be coordinated by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i (former Honourable Minister of Education and member of STRADVCOM).
“The other is the development of textual materials to support the implementation. This project is coordinated by Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs (Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities and member of STRADVCOM).
“Ten highlights of the 2022 CCMAS which replaces the 15-year old and long-overdue-for-change Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) are: (1) Comparable in content to similar curricula in the best university systems in the world and relevant to Nigeria’s socio-cultural context; (2) Addresses the knowledge and skills gaps in the curriculum it is replacing; (3) While providing 70% of core curriculum as minimum for all Nigerian universities, it allows universities to customise and bespoke the curriculum by adding 30% of courses to reflect their uniqueness of mission and contextual peculiarities.
“It also places accent on entrepreneurship, practical rather than theoretical knowledge and skills and the development of 21st century skills; (5) in line with contemporary global practice, change of nomenclature from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS); (6) in consonance with emerging development globally, the curriculum is to stimulate blended learning in its delivery; (7) strategically configured to produce future-fit graduates; (8) provides essential foundations for lifelong learning; (9) nurtures deep thinkers and problem solvers and graduates who are highly skilled in their professions and disciplines; and (10) encourages interdependencies of disciplines,” he stated.
Okebukola concluded that from his personal assessment, the NUC CCMAS is configured not as a business-as-usual document, saying it has provided allowance of 30 per cent for universities to innovate and take care of any gap Senate of each university wishes to fill. It is a living document which will keep adding more “cells”.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international footprint by accrediting more schools in Equatorial Guinea to conduct its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
According to a statement released in Minna on Wednesday by NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Azeez Sani, the newly accredited schools are located in Bata, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea. This expansion adds to the existing NECO-accredited schools in the country.
The accreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment by NECO’s team, which evaluated the schools’ classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, sports facilities, continuous assessment systems, teacher adequacy, and security standards.
Following a thorough review, the schools were granted full accreditation to conduct both SSCE and BECE examinations.
Mallam Azeez Sani emphasized that this development underscores NECO’s commitment to providing quality education and standardized assessments beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“With its expanding global presence, NECO is positioning itself as a leading examination body in Africa, creating opportunities for Nigerian students and other foreign nationals to benefit from its expertise and contribute to educational advancement across the continent,” he stated.
NECO examinations are currently written in Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further cementing its role as a key player in Africa’s educational landscape.
***Insists, no Students, No Meeting
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a final ultimatum to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), demanding immediate student representation on its board.
The association has vowed to shut down the upcoming board meeting if its demand is ignored.
In a letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, and Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, NANS President Lucky Emonefe condemned the exclusion of students as “completely unacceptable.”
Emonefe indicated that excluding students from the NELFUND Board is tantamount to shaving a man’s head in his absence emphasizing that decisions about student loans should not be made without their input.
Representing over 50 million students nationwide, NANS insisted that students, as the primary beneficiaries of the fund, must have a seat at the table.
The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a mass mobilization to prevent the board meeting from taking place.
“This is not an appeal; it is a final warning. Nigerian students refuse to be spectators in decisions that shape their future. No student, no meeting!” the letter concluded.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on NELFUND’s leadership to see whether they will yield to NANS’ demands or risk a major student uprising.
By James Ojochegbe
As September approaches, excitement continues to build around Rugby School Nigeria, a prestigious institution set to redefine secondary education in West Africa.
With its campus rising in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, and preparations in full swing, the school’s leadership remains committed to delivering an elite academic experience rooted in the traditions of its UK counterpart.
International Development Director of Rugby School Global,
Ian McIntyre, recently toured the campus and expressed confidence in meeting the projected launch date.
“The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation,” he remarked, underscoring the institution’s goal of blending academic rigor with holistic student development.
While the school’s full senior program will open in 2026, its debut this year will focus on an advanced Sixth Form curriculum designed to propel students into the world’s top universities.
The program, led by expert instructors, covers a diverse range of subjects, from Mathematics and Sciences to Business Studies and the Arts.
James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, highlighted the school’s unique approach: “At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy, ensuring students not only achieve academic excellence but also develop key life skills.”
Beyond academics, Rugby School Nigeria aims to cultivate leadership, creativity, and resilience—qualities that will prepare students for success in an evolving global landscape. As enrollment begins, families across the region are eager to secure a place in what promises to be a transformative educational institution.
In a deal sealed by
Nick Bacon Chairman, Governing Body of Rugby School and Mr Ronald Chagoury, Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Rugby School Nigeria will initially offer a Sixth Form programme for day students aged 16 and above, emphasizing
academic excellence and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, preparing students for entry to the world’s
leading universities.
With the school set to welcome its first A Level students this September, and the full senior school opening in September 2026, excitement has continued to build around this transformative educational institution for aspiring students from across West Africa.
Expressing his excitement at the progress made so far,
Ian McIntyre, said,
“It is truly inspiring to see the remarkable progress being made on the world-class campus of Rugby School Nigeria. The facilities here will reflect the highest standards of excellence and innovation, ensuring that students will experience an education that is both academically rigorous and holistically enriching.
“With the launch of our full A-level programme this September and the full opening of the senior school in 2026, we are excited to bring the proud heritage and values of Rugby School to Nigeria. This campus will undoubtedly become a beacon of learning in West Africa.”
According to the statement from Rugby School Global, the A-Level students will benefit from expert instruction by specialist teachers in a broad range of subjects, including: English Literature, Mathematics & Further Mathematics; Biology, Chemistry, Physics; History, Geography, French; Art, Economics, Business Studies; Physical Education, and Computer Studies.
James Whitehead, Director of Education at Rugby School Global, equally highlighted the school’s distinctive philosophy
“At Rugby School Nigeria, we embrace the ‘Rugby Way’ teaching & learning philosophy and the ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ approach—ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow holistically, preparing them for the world’s top universities and life beyond.”
The first phase of the school campus will include a reception and welcome area, numerous classrooms, sports and social spaces and a sixth form centre.
The statement further urged ”
prospective families to register their interest and “secure a place for their child at this groundbreaking educational institution. ”
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