NERDC

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

Education has long been seen as the backbone of national progress. Any country that hopes to compete in the modern world must invest in an education system that prepares its young people with relevant knowledge and practical skills. Yet the situation in Nigeria today shows a worrying gap between what students learn in school and what the realities of the 21st century require.

For many years, the country’s curriculum has remained largely theoretical and disconnected from real life. Students spend long hours memorising information for examinations, but many graduate without the ability to apply what they have learned to real-world problems. Certificates are awarded, but practical competence often remains weak. This situation raises serious questions about the direction of the education system.

One major issue is the outdated nature of many academic programs. While the global economy is rapidly shifting toward technology, innovation, and knowledge-based industries, a large portion of Nigeria’s curriculum still reflects ideas and priorities from decades ago. Digital literacy, modern research methods, and emerging technologies are not sufficiently integrated into many learning programs. As a result, Nigerian graduates often struggle to compete in an increasingly digital world.

Another concern is the weak connection between education and the labour market. Universities and other higher institutions frequently design courses without strong collaboration with industries that will eventually employ their graduates. Employers complain about a lack of practical skills, while graduates face rising unemployment despite years of schooling. This mismatch highlights the urgent need to align academic learning with real economic needs.

Infrastructure problems further complicate the situation. Across many parts of the country, schools operate with overcrowded classrooms, outdated laboratories, and limited learning materials. Teachers often do their best under difficult circumstances, but without adequate support, their efforts cannot produce the level of transformation the country needs. When the learning environment itself is weak, even the most dedicated educators struggle to deliver quality outcomes.

Reforming the curriculum is therefore not simply an academic debate. It is a national necessity. Education must move beyond rote memorisation and focus more on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Students should be encouraged to explore ideas, question assumptions, and develop solutions to real challenges within their communities.

Technical and vocational education must also receive greater attention. For too long, society has treated vocational training as a lesser option compared to traditional academic degrees. Yet many developed economies thrive because they place a strong value on technical skills and practical training. If Nigeria hopes to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth, it must elevate the status of vocational education.

Entrepreneurship education is another area that deserves serious attention. Rather than preparing students only to search for jobs, schools should equip them with the knowledge and confidence to create their own opportunities. Basic business education, financial literacy, and innovation training can help young people develop the mindset needed to build sustainable ventures.

Teachers must also be central to any reform effort. No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers. Continuous training, improved working conditions, and access to modern teaching resources will empower educators to guide students more effectively. When teachers are supported, the entire learning process improves.

Ultimately, meaningful reform requires collaboration. Policymakers, educators, researchers, industry leaders, and communities must work together to rethink the priorities of the education system. A curriculum designed with broad consultation will be better equipped to respond to national development goals and global realities.

Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world. This demographic strength could become a powerful driver of development if the right investments are made in education. However, if the system continues to produce graduates who are not adequately prepared for the future, the country risks missing a critical opportunity.

Reforming the curriculum will not solve every challenge overnight, but it represents an important step toward building a more dynamic and productive society. Preparing young Nigerians for the demands of the modern world is not just an educational responsibility. It is a national imperative.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving foundational learning as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy among schoolchildren.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Salisu Shehu, said this at the ongoing South-South Learning Symposium taking place from May 4 to 8 in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Shehu said Nigeria had, in the last three years, embarked on critical education reforms beginning from the foundational level to improve learning outcomes across the country.

He explained that the reforms are being implemented under the National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI), a broad-based programme anchored on key pillars such as technical and vocational education expansion, STEMM development, reintegration of out-of-school children and Almajiri, girl-child education, data and digitisation, and quality assurance.

According to him, reforms in foundational learning are guided by two major national policy frameworks — the National Policy on Skills Development and the National Reading Framework — both aimed at strengthening early literacy and numeracy skills.

He noted that the initiatives were introduced to address persistent learning gaps in the country.

Professor Shehu said the policies are designed to “accelerate foundational skills of learners and reverse the situation in which about 70 per cent of children in Nigeria cannot read with meaning or solve simple mathematics problems.”

He added that achieving the targets of the policy frameworks requires a well-articulated curriculum reform programme, stressing that Nigeria has undertaken a holistic review of its curriculum to align with national development goals.

He said one of the key features of the reform is the introduction of foundational skills from the pre-primary level, with structured and sequenced learning content to ensure that learners acquire basic competencies before completing primary three.

Professor Shehu further explained that the reforms promote practical learning approaches, including learning by doing from the early stages, as well as aligning numeracy content with everyday experiences of learners.

On implementation, he said the use of structured pedagogy is being adopted to support learners’ development, while assessment systems are being reformed to cover both knowledge and practical application.

He, however, acknowledged challenges in implementing the reforms, particularly the shortage of adequately trained teachers and limited access to quality instructional materials aligned with the curriculum.

“To address these challenges, we are initiating a project with the British Council focused on providing quality instructional materials, building the capacity of teachers and ensuring a smooth transition from mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction at grade one,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with development partners to ensure long-term success of the reforms.

The symposium has brought together education stakeholders from across developing countries to share knowledge and strategies for improving learning outcomes.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system through international collaboration, as it participates in the 2026 British Council South–South Learning Symposium in New Delhi.

The Daily Reality reports that this development was disclosed in a post shared on the Council’s official Facebook page on Monday.

Leading Nigeria’s delegation is the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Salisu Shehu, whose participation highlights the country’s growing focus on adopting global best practices to improve foundational learning, particularly in literacy, numeracy and multilingual education.

The symposium convenes policymakers, education experts and development partners from across the Global South to exchange ideas on strengthening foundational education systems and promoting the use of multiple languages in learning, especially in culturally diverse societies.

During his engagements, Shehu pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing curriculum reforms, with emphasis on improving basic education delivery and expanding the use of indigenous languages in teaching.

He noted that collaboration among countries with similar socio-cultural realities offers practical and adaptable solutions to shared educational challenges.

He also presented an overview of NERDC’s mandate at the opening session of the programme, outlining the Council’s role in shaping Nigeria’s curriculum and driving innovation in the sector.

NERDC said its participation provides an opportunity to draw lessons from countries like India, particularly in managing multilingual education on a large scale, as well as exploring emerging approaches such as technology-driven and inclusive learning models.

The Council added that insights gained from the symposium would support ongoing education reforms and enhance curriculum development in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to improving the quality and inclusiveness of learning nationwide.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, even as it continues to grapple with persistent funding challenges affecting key programmes and initiatives.

This position was expressed during the Council’s sixth inaugural Governing Board meeting held at its headquarters in Sheda, Abuja, from April 22 to 23, 2026, where members deliberated on its activities, achievements, and future direction.

According to a statement issued by the Council on Monday, the meeting brought together Board members, management staff, and other stakeholders to review NERDC’s operations and chart a path forward.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, was quoted in the statement as expressing optimism that the Board’s collective efforts would “usher in meaningful change, growth and sustainable development” for the Council and its staff.

The statement noted that a documentary titled NERDC at a Glance was presented during the meeting, providing an in-depth overview of the Council’s operations, including the activities of its six academic centres, service departments, and field offices.

According to the statement, Professor Shehu also highlighted the Council’s achievements, particularly its collaborations with agencies within Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.

However, he drew attention to the challenge of inadequate funding, which has slowed the implementation of several key projects and initiatives.

Despite this, the Executive Secretary as reaffirming his commitment to driving reforms and repositioning the Council on the global stage.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Jamilu Wada Aliyu, assured the management team of the Board’s support.

The statement quoted him as saying the Board remains committed to “strengthening NERDC as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s education sector,” while commending the Executive Secretary for his efforts.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the Executive Secretary and members of the management team led the Chairman and other Board members on a tour of the Council’s facilities, including the Administrative Block, Library and Informatics Centre, Conference Centre, Academic Centres, Warehouse, and the National Model School.

It added that the tour provided firsthand insight into the Council’s current state and highlighted areas requiring urgent attention.

The statement also listed members of the Governing Board as including Gideon Sunday Omachonu, Aliyu Muhammad Madaki, Mahmoud Muhammad Lawan, Obianuju Anigbogu of the Federal Ministry of Education, Amos Josiah Dangut, Nura Sani Usman, and Abdulmumili Umar Kwami.

Other members are Raula Said Ahmad, Peter Maktu, Omoduwa Francis Folorunso, Dean Robert Okorie, Abdulkadir Yunusa, Denja Abdullahi, and the Executive Secretary, who serves as Secretary to the Board.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in collaboration with TaRL Africa Nigeria, has commenced the review of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum aimed at improving access to education for out-of-school children and youths.

The development was disclosed in a statement on Sunday following a national stakeholders’ dialogue held at Villa Park Hotel, Abuja, on April 8, 2026, where the review process was formally flagged off.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the review became necessary after several years of implementing the current curriculum approved by the National Council on Education in 2019.

Shehu explained that the ABEP was designed as a targeted intervention to cater for children and youths aged 10 to 18 who had their education disrupted and are now overage for the conventional school system.

According to him, the programme ensures that such learners are not denied access to quality education as provided for in national policy frameworks.

He added that accelerated education programmes are globally recognised as flexible systems that allow learners to catch up and transition into formal schooling.

“The need for ABEP arose from the demand for a standardised national framework that can be adapted across states facing similar educational challenges,” he said.

The NERDC boss further noted that the programme is structured into three levels covering primary and junior secondary education, each designed to run within a shorter timeframe using flexible and learner-friendly approaches.

In his presentation, the Head of the Curriculum Development Centre, Chima Egbujuo, said the primary objective of ABEP is to provide an alternative learning pathway for out-of-school children and youths.

He noted that the programme also supports their reintegration into formal education or transition into vocational training and other livelihood opportunities.

“ABEP is a condensed version of the nine-year basic education curriculum, with clearly defined minimum standards for teaching and learning,” Egbujuo said.

He added that the programme has already recorded significant impact, revealing that it has been piloted with over 10,000 learners, while more than 300,000 are currently benefiting from its implementation across the country.

The statement noted that goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key education stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Universal Basic Education Commission, and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, among others.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commenced the review of the 0–5 years Early Childhood Education Curriculum as part of efforts to strengthen foundational learning in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday shared with The Daily Reality, which noted that the exercise is aimed at addressing gaps in the existing Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) curriculum first developed in 2007.

According to the statement, the review process follows a writing workshop held between March 19 and 24, 2025, where stakeholders worked on updating the curriculum to better support early childhood development and improve learning outcomes.

Speaking at the ongoing critique workshop held at the NERDC Conference Centre in Agidingbi, Lagos, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the review is designed to align the curriculum with global best practices while making it responsive to the developmental needs of young learners.

Shehu noted that curriculum review is a vital process for maintaining the relevance of educational programmes in a rapidly changing world. He added that the exercise is expected to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the curriculum.

“The review of the 0–5 years Early Childhood Education Curriculum is intended to align it with current global standards while ensuring its suitability for the developmental needs of young learners,” he said.

He also appreciated UNICEF for its continued support, describing the collaboration as crucial to strengthening early childhood education in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the Special Programmes Centre, Dr. Ugbalu Egbita, urged participants to approach the workshop with dedication and professionalism, noting that their input would significantly shape the outcome of the exercise.

“The quality of this curriculum will determine the kind of foundation we lay for our children,” Egbita said, stressing that participants’ expert contributions are key to its success.

The statement added that the curriculum provides guidance for teachers and caregivers in creating stimulating learning environments that encourage children to explore, think, communicate and imagine, while also easing their transition into formal education.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from NERDC, UNICEF, development partners, ministries, departments and agencies, as well as civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

By Uzair Adam

The push to equip Nigerian students with practical skills for a rapidly evolving global economy received a boost on Wednesday as the Junior Achievement Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to deepen collaboration on entrepreneurship and experiential learning.

The Daily Reality reports that the delegation, led by the Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, met with the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, at the council’s headquarters on Monday.

The visit underscored a shared commitment to embedding enterprise education and innovation-driven learning within Nigeria’s national curriculum framework.

Mr. Akogun was accompanied by the organisation’s Programme Specialist, Ndepawe Jonah Kwghe, and other officials.

They were received by Prof. Shehu alongside the Head of Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Famade Oladiran; the Special Assistant (Technical) to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Garba Gandu; and the Head of Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), Dr. Chima Egbujuo.

Discussions centred on forging a strategic partnership to advance entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, work readiness and innovation-focused learning for students across the country.

Both institutions stressed the importance of aligning educational content with global best practices while remaining responsive to Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.

In his remarks, Prof. Shehu reaffirmed NERDC’s resolve to enrich the national curriculum with practical and future-oriented competencies that would empower learners to become self-reliant and productive citizens.

He commended Junior Achievement Nigeria for what he described as its impactful programmes designed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Mr. Akogun, in his response, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his organisation’s readiness to collaborate with NERDC in integrating structured entrepreneurship and enterprise education modules into the national curriculum.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging closer cooperation in driving innovative educational reforms aimed at preparing Nigerian students to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global economy.

By The Daily Reality

Dr. Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education (USACOE), Minna, Niger State, has honoured the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in recognition of its immense contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.

The College, founded in 1975, presented an Institutional Award of Recognition to NERDC for “Regulatory Oversight, Guidance and Support” during its Golden Jubilee celebration held on 31st January, 2026. The anniversary programme, which marked fifty years of the institution’s existence, took place from 30th January to 1st February, 2026.

The Institutional award was presented to the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, who was represented at the event by the Director, Library and Informatics Centre (LIC), Dr. Mandela Asebiomo. While presenting the award, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Guest Speaker at the occasion, Justice (Dr.) Abdullahi Usman Bello, commended NERDC for its effective discharge of regulatory oversight, guidance, and support functions within the Nigerian education system.

Dr. Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, named after its pioneer Provost, Umaru Sanda Ahmadu, was initially established as a Teachers’ Training College. Over the years, the institution has undergone significant transformation and has since evolved into a degree-awarding institution offering programmes in various education-related disciplines.

The Golden Jubilee celebration, organised by the College Alumni Association in collaboration with the Management and Staff Unions, attracted the presence of representatives of the Niger State Government, heads of government agencies, members of the academia, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other distinguished guests.