By Fatimah Bintu Dikko

Introduction
Education is the bedrock of development for any nation. It is through a well-structured and dynamic curriculum that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape. However, in Nigeria, the current state of the education system is a cause for concern as the curriculum has been criticized for its inadequacies and failure to meet international standards. This writeup will delve into the deteriorating curriculum of education in Nigeria and propose steps to improve it to meet global standards.

The Nigerian education system has long been plagued with challenges ranging from poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, lack of qualified teachers, and an outdated curriculum. The curriculum, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its focus on rote memorization, outdated content, and lack of emphasis on practical skills development. The current system places a heavy emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application, thereby producing graduates who lack the skills needed to compete in the global job market.

One of the key issues with the current curriculum is its failure to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape. With advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and automation reshaping industries worldwide, it is essential for educational curricula to be dynamic and forward-thinking. Unfortunately, the Nigerian curriculum has failed to adapt to these changes, resulting in a gap between what students are being taught and what is required in the real world.

Steps to Improve the Curriculum
In order to address the shortcomings of the current curriculum and bring it in line with international standards, several steps need to be taken:

Curriculum Review: The first step towards improving the curriculum is to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing content. This review should involve stakeholders including educators, policymakers, industry experts, and students to ensure that the curriculum is relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with global standards.

Emphasis on Practical Skills: To bridge the gap between theory and practice, there should be a greater emphasis on practical skills development. This includes incorporating hands-on learning experiences, internships, and vocational training programs into the curriculum to equip students with the skills needed in the workforce.

Integration of Technology: Technology plays a crucial role in the modern world and should be integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. This includes teaching students digital literacy skills, incorporating online learning platforms, and utilizing educational software to make learning more interactive and engaging.

Professional Development for Teachers: In order to effectively implement a revised curriculum, teachers must be adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills. Professional development programs should be implemented to upgrade teachers’ knowledge and teaching methods to ensure they are able to deliver quality education to students.

Collaboration with Industry Partners: To ensure that the curriculum meets the requirements of the job market, collaboration with industry partners is essential. Industry professionals can provide insights into the skills and competencies needed in the workplace, thereby informing the development of the curriculum to meet industry standards.

Advantages of Improving the Curriculum
Improving the curriculum of education in Nigeria to meet international standards has several advantages:

Enhancing Employability: By aligning the curriculum with industry requirements, students will be better equipped with the skills needed to secure employment in a competitive job market.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity: A revised curriculum that emphasizes practical skills development and critical thinking will foster innovation and creativity among students, preparing them to tackle real-world problems.

Global Competitiveness: A curriculum that meets international standards will enhance Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage and enable students to compete effectively with their counterparts from around the world.

Economic Growth: A well-educated workforce is essential for driving economic growth and development. By improving the curriculum, Nigeria can develop a skilled workforce that contributes to the country’s economic prosperity.

Conclusively, the deteriorating curriculum of education in Nigeria is a cause for concern and requires urgent attention. By implementing the steps outlined above, Nigeria can improve its education system and ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. It is imperative that policymakers, educators, and industry partners work together to revamp the curriculum and bring it in line with international standards for the benefit of current and future generations. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of a nation, and it is essential that Nigeria takes proactive steps to improve its curriculum for the betterment of society as a whole.