Dr. Joy Isa, President of the Isa School of Education, has identified a critical flaw in Nigeria’s education system: the lack of a national curriculum for early childhood education (ages 0-5). This gap contributes to the staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children in the country.
In a recent interview, Dr. Isa noted that private schools often resort to foreign curricula due to the absence of a local framework. This prevents young children from acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills, putting them at a disadvantage.
Dr. Isa also debunked misconceptions about the Montessori method and criticized Nigeria’s prevailing teaching practices, emphasizing the need for educational reform focused on critical thinking and practical applications.
According to Dr. Isa, the current curriculum is deficient in numeracy and critical thinking skills, contradicting claims by Nigeria’s Education Minister. She stressed the urgency for reform to equip students with meaningful engagement and skills for the future.
Dr. Joy Isa, an education consultant and President of the Isa School of Education, recently highlighted critical flaws in Nigeria’s educational system during an interview on News Central. She emphasized the lack of a national curriculum for early childhood education (ages 0-5), which she believes contributes significantly to the high number of out-of-school children, currently estimated at 10.5 million by UNICEF.
Dr. Isa pointed out that many private schools resort to foreign curricula due to this absence, leaving foundational literacy and numeracy skills unaddressed before children enter primary school. This gap creates disparities, as public school students often begin their education without essential skills, putting them at a disadvantage.
She also critiqued the prevalent teaching methods, where rote learning dominates over critical thinking and problem-solving. Dr. Isa stressed that teachers must shift from merely providing notes for students to copy towards fostering an environment that encourages independent thinking and engagement.
The urgent need for a structured curriculum and improved teaching methodologies is vital for addressing the educational challenges facing Nigeria today.
