FG Announces New Curriculum: AI and Islamic Economics Among 12 Subjects for Universities

The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission, has commenced plans to introduce 12 new programmes into the curriculum of universities in the country, The PUNCH has learnt.

A total of 12 panels were additionally convened to examine the courses and provide constructive recommendations aimed at bolstering weaker sections.

According to a transcript from the gathering between the NUC and representatives of the committee, this information was acquired by our reporter based in Abuja on Wednesday.

The 12 new programmes to be introduced are Artificial Intelligence; Classical Christian Education; Community Health Science; Cooperative Economics and Management Studies; Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science; Geomatics Engineering Intelligence and Security Studies; Parasitology and Entomology; Sports Management; Telecommunication Science; Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and Islamic Economics and Finance.

Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the NUC, emphasized to the participants that the organization holds the authority to establish basic requirements for all universities and other degree-granting bodies within the nation. Additionally, they have the power to accredit the degrees and other scholarly recognitions issued by these entities.

He noted that the NUC derived its powers from Section 10 (1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap. E3, Laws of the Federation, 2004 (formerly Act No. 16 of 1985 as amended).

He mentioned that this activity was initiated due to numerous requests for updating the curriculum submitted by various universities and professional organizations following their completion of an extensive two-year-long curriculum review process.

Ribadu noted that the submissions were analysed to ascertain their viability and marketability as academic programmes and eventually 12 programmes in all were selected.

The Executive Secretary highlighted that the field of education and knowledge is swiftly transforming, necessitating a curriculum that not only conveys information but also fosters critical thinking, flexibility, and creativity. This shift demands equipping Nigerian students with 21st-century competencies, job readiness skills, and self-sufficiency to succeed in an ever-changing global environment.

He urged the reviewers to bring in valuable insights and their expertise as experienced resource persons and subject experts in order to draw a befitting curriculum for the new programmes, bearing in mind the nation’s desire for local content/uniqueness in tandem with global best practices.

The NUC scribe recommended that they "offer constructive feedback to reinforce any weaker aspects they may find instead of simply criticizing it as poor."

He informed the panelists that the NUC “acknowledge and appreciate their efforts, sacrifices and services over the years, especially when called on National assignment of this nature.”

He additionally instructed them to keep up their excellent work as usual, assuring that the commission would never overlook this dedication.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).