In a bid to enhance the quality of university education and align it with global best practices, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is pushing forward with the full implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). This new curriculum, unveiled in 2022, aims to make Nigerian university education more responsive to societal needs and produce graduates who can compete globally.
The CCMAS covers 17 disciplines, including Arts, Administration, Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine, among others. It is the product of two years of stakeholder interactions involving academic experts, government, professional bodies, and the private sector. The goal is to improve the standard of Nigerian universities, making graduates more employable and equipped with local, national, and international knowledge.
Despite some opposition from critical stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which argues that CCMAS threatens quality university education and erodes university senate powers, the government remains committed to the new curriculum design.
According to the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Mr. Chris J. Maiyaki, the Commission is determined to ensure full implementation of CCMAS by all universities in Nigeria. Maiyaki emphasized that the document was painstakingly put together by seasoned professors, professionals, and industry captains, and its outcome aligns with global best practices, producing graduates capable of competing globally.
The NUC has called on stakeholders, including the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU), to join hands in ensuring the successful implementation of CCMAS, which will now serve as a reference document for NUC Resource Verification.
This development marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s education reform journey, as the country strives to advance its education system and produce graduates who can excel in an increasingly globalized world.
The implementation of CCMAS is a crucial step towards enhancing the quality and relevance of university education in Nigeria, and its successful execution will have far-reaching benefits for the country’s socio-economic development.
