Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Assessing the Impact of Curriculum Reforms on Basic Education in Nigeria

Okezie Nwaelele PhD, Emilia Andorshiye John PhD

Abstract

Objective: The research examined the effects of curriculum reforms on basic education in Nigeria measuring the enrolment trends, gender parity, access to quality education and resource allocations. Although ambitious reforms were made to implement digital literacy, vocational skills and life competencies, implementation challenged. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on State Capacity Theory, which emphasises the role of institutional capability and governance in effective policy implementation. Research Design: The study employed a qualitative research design based on secondary data using government reports, scholarly journals, and international education journals. Policy documents and empirical evidence on funding, enrolment patterns, and infrastructure were reviewed using content analysis.

Keywords

Curriculum reformBasic educationResource allocationGender parity.

References

Agbajileke, O. (2024, October 9). FG unveils basic education curriculum Thursday. The Guardian Nigeria. https://guardian.ng/features/education/fg-unveils-basic-education-curriculum- thursday/. Agorà Policy. (2023). Back to the basics: How to fix UBE and public basic education in Nigeria. Agorà Policy. https://agorapolicy.org/research/policy-memo/90-back-to-the-basics-how- to-fix-ube-and-public-basic-education-in-nigeria Agorà Policy. (2023). Back to the basics: How to fix UBE and public basic education in Nigeria. Agorà Policy. Retrieved from https://agorapolicy.org/research/policy-memo/90-back-to- the-basics-how-to-fix-ube-and-public-basic-education-in-nigeria Akinwande, S. A., Omotayo, K., & Famiwole, R. (2024). Curriculum reforms in agricultural science in Nigerian secondary schools: An appraisal. Kashere Journal of Education, 6(1). AllAfrica/Leadership. (2024, October 28). Nigeria: Facility deficit threatens new school curriculum. Leadership (via AllAfrica). AllAfrica/Leadership. (2024, October 28). Nigeria: Facility deficit threatens new school curriculum. Leadership (via AllAfrica). Amadioha, E. O. (2016). Innovation and renewal of economics curriculum in Nigerian secondary schools. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS). Annala, L., Katundu, C., & Makgoba, M. (2023). Curriculum reform in African higher education: solving society’s problems and meeting its needs. Curriculum Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-023-00206-X Etuk, E. J., Ering, S. S., & Ajake, E. F. (2012). The objectives of the UBE programme: Ensuring nine years of basic education in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Curriculum Studies, 19(2). Federal Ministry of Education. (2024). National curriculum review and implementation framework for basic education in Nigeria. Abuja: FME Press. Igbokwe, C. O. (2015). Recent curriculum reforms at the basic education level in Nigeria aimed at catching them young to create change. American Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-3-1-7. International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA). (2024). Nigeria: Education country brief. UNESCO. Retrieved from https://www.iicba.unesco.org/en/nigeria. Issues as Fed Govt presents new school curriculum — The Nation. (2024, July). The Nation Nigeria. Retrieved from thenationonlineng.net Lawal, I. (2023, June 14). Education curriculum Nigeria needs for basic schools. The Guardian Nigeria. https://guardian.ng/news/education-curriculum-nigeria-needs-for-basic-schools/ Olateru Leadership News. (2025, February 20). FG moves to increase UBEC allocation to 5%. The Guardian Nigeria. Leadership News. (2025, July). Schools return amid uncertainty over new curriculum implementation. Leadership. Retrieved from Leadership News websitereddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2leadership.ng Nwajiuba, C. A., & Ukwandu, E. (2021). Female ICT participation in South-Eastern Nigerian tertiary institutions: inhibiting factors. African Journal of Gender and ICT Development, 8(2), 45–59. Nwankwo, O. C. (2010). Universal Basic Education as a basis for sustainable development in Nigeria. Journal of Research in Education and Society, 1(1), 114–128. WikipediaGreener Journalsicidr.org.ng Obanya, P. (2000). Basic education: Building roots for literacy, numeracy and sustainable livelihoods. UNESCO-related policy literature. ginshikijournal.org.ng+6Greener Journals+6researchgate.net+6 Oko-Joseph, C. (2024). Reforming Nigeria’s educational curriculum: A panacea for mediocrity and workplace inefficiency. [PhD dissertation]. Olagbegi, A. (2021). A critical review of the revised 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum in Nigeria. SFU Educational Review, 8(1), 45–59. Universal Basic Education Commission. (2021). Annual report on basic education statistics. UBEC. Olateru-Olagbegi, A. (2021). A critical review of the revised 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum in Nigeria. SFU Educational Review, 8(1), 45–59. Universal Basic Education Commission. (2021). Annual report on basic education statistics. UBEC Olateru-Olagbegi, A. (2021). A critical review of the revised 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) in Nigeria. SFU Educational Review, 8(1), 45–59. Olateru-Olagbegi, A. (2021). A critical review of the revised 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) in Nigeria. SFU Educational Review, 8(1), 45–59. Ovute, L. E. (2024). Curriculum reform in teacher education from global and Nigeria perspective. International Journal of Studies in Education, 20(1), 59–69. Owaduge, S. B. (2025). Implications of the new education policy (12-4) in Nigeria [Unpublished manuscript]. National Open University of NigeriaResearchGate Paraskeva, J. (2011). Itinerant Curriculum Theory: Toward an adaptive and culturally pluralistic curriculum model. Curriculum Studies Journal. Premium Times. (2025, January 2). Again, Nigerian govt reintroduces history into education curriculum. Premium Times Nigeria. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top- news/764787-again-nigerian-govt-reintroduces-history-into-education-curriculum.html Reddit. (2024, October 15). Fed Govt announced the introduction of 15 skill acquisition into curriculum of Primary and Junior Secondary schools. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Nigeria/comments/1g4gh46 Rogers, E. M. (1962). Diffusion of innovations. Free Press. The Nation Newspaper. (2025, July 21). UBEC: States yet to utilise over N250?bn basic education funds. The Nation Nigeria. Understanding Nigeria Basic Education Curricula. (2025, February 10). Factual NG. https://factualng.com/2025/02/10/understanding-nigeria-basic-education-curricula/ UNESCO. (2013). ISCED levels and definitions: Education statistics. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Universal Basic Education Commission. (2004). UBE Act. Federal Republic of Nigeria. Greener Journals+5Wikipedia+5RSIS International+5 Universal Basic Education Commission. (2021). Annual report on basic education statistics. UBEC.

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND EVALUATION