Reforms: FG Adds Hairstyling, Plumbing, GSM Repair, Others To Basic Education Curriculum

 

By Joshua Omoniyi

In a groundbreaking move that signals a major shift in Nigeria's educational landscape, the Federal Government has announced the integration of practical vocational skills into the basic education curriculum. The reform, which took effect in January 2025, introduces twelve new trades including hairstyling, plumbing, and GSM (mobile phone) repair, marking a significant departure from traditional academic-focused education.

The Federal Government has announced the addition of hairstyling, plumbing, GSM repair, makeup and 12 other new trades/new subjects to the basic education curriculum.

This innovative approach to education is set to transform how Nigerian students learn and prepare for their future careers. The new curriculum, which targets primary and junior secondary school students, also includes contemporary skills such as makeup artistry, interior design, and solar installation.

The development comes following ongoing reforms in various sectors of the economy.

A statement issued by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said the new trades were added to the Basic Education curriculum to boost students’ practical skills and employability.

The new subjects include plumbing; tiling and floor works; POP installation; event decoration and management; bakery and confectioneries; hairstyling; makeup; interior design; GSM repairs and satellite/TV antenna installation.

Others are CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance; solar installation and maintenance; garment making; agriculture and processing (including crop production, beekeeping, horticulture and livestock farming like poultry and rabbit rearing), and basic digital literacy (including IT and robotics).

"This is a game-changer for Nigerian education," says education analyst Mrs. Aisha Ibrahim (fictional). "Imagine a scenario where a 15-year-old student not only understands mathematics and science but can also diagnose and repair a faulty smartphone or install basic plumbing systems. We're creating a generation of self-reliant individuals."

The impact of this reform could be far-reaching. Consider the case of young students like Chidi Okonkwo (fictional), a JSS2 student in Lagos, who might now have the opportunity to learn mobile phone repair alongside their regular subjects. "With over 90 million mobile phone users in Nigeria, having these skills could mean the difference between unemployment and running a successful business right after school," notes market analyst John Doe (fictional).

The practical implications are significant:

1. Early Skill Development: Students can discover and develop their talents in practical fields at a young age

2. Economic Empowerment: Graduates will have marketable skills even before completing their formal education

3. Reduced Youth Unemployment: Students can become self-employed or find skilled employment more easily

4. Industry-Ready Workforce: The economy benefits from a pool of skilled workers in various technical fields

For instance, a student learning hairstyling as part of their basic education could start a small business from home while still in school, potentially earning enough to support their further education. Similarly, those learning plumbing or solar installation could become apprentices during holidays, gaining valuable practical experience.

The reform also addresses gender stereotypes in vocational education by making all trades available to both male and female students. This means girls can learn plumbing and electrical work while boys can study hairstyling and makeup artistry if they choose to.

Industry experts predict that this educational reform could significantly reduce the skills gap in Nigeria's technical and service sectors. By introducing these practical skills at the basic education level, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer in practical-oriented education in Africa.

However, successful implementation will require adequate funding, trained instructors, and proper equipment. The government has yet to release detailed information about these aspects of the program.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment, this revolutionary approach to basic education could provide a template for other African nations looking to bridge the gap between education and employability. The coming years will reveal the true impact of this bold educational reform on Nigeria's workforce and economy.