UBEC Initiates Development of "Smart" Bilingual Education Curriculum in Nigeria Initiates Development of "Smart" Bilingual Education Curriculum in Nigeria


The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced the process of developing a "smart" curriculum for Bilingual Education in Nigeria.


This announcement was made by Mr. David Apeh, the Head of Public Relations and Protocol at UBEC, in Abuja on Monday, April 1.


According to Apeh, the commission recently organized a workshop for curriculum adaptation for bilingual schools, where experts brainstormed to create the best curriculum for these unique institutions.


Professor Bala Zakari, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC and the Project Supervisor for the Bilingual Education Programme, emphasized the need for a standardized approach in curriculum development. He highlighted UBEC's efforts to ensure the success of the bilingual education program, from the construction of schools in nine focal states to engaging experts in various programs.


Zakari emphasized Nigeria's uniqueness due to its diverse population, with over seven million learners at the Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) level and more than 47 million at the primary level.


Mansir Idris, the Project Coordinator of the Islamic Development Bank, stated that the workshop aimed to examine the existing national curriculum and Tsangaya system to adapt them for bilingual education.


Dr. Ibrahim Bakari, the ICT Head of Unit at UBEC, highlighted gaps in the national curriculum, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding. He advocated for a "smart" bilingual education curriculum to align with global best practices.


The Islamic Development Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a $98 million multi-year financial facility program in 2012 to promote Bilingual Education in Nigeria. The project aims to improve the socio-economic condition of Nigeria, ensure inclusive education, and promote bilingualism.


The benefiting states include Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Osun. The project's major components include creating access to basic education, improving quality, and enhancing school administrators' management capacity.


Furthermore, the project involves constructing 30 bilingual education boarding schools in the benefiting states to increase enrollment and reduce the number of out-of-school children

No comments:

Post a Comment