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National curriculum not addressing literacy requirements, says Mekwunye

By Ujunwa Atueyi
02 August 2018   |   3:41 am
The Principal of Pacific Comprehensive College, Shasha, Lagos, Mr. Andrew Mekwunye, has lamented that the country’s educational curriculum is not tackling the literacy needs of the country, saying it has failed to address the major reason why children go to school.

Chairman, Pacific Group of Schools, Mr. Remi Omosowon (middle) flanked by the graduating students of Pacific Comprehensive College, Shasha Akowonjo, during their valedictory service in Lagos.

The Principal of Pacific Comprehensive College, Shasha, Lagos, Mr. Andrew Mekwunye, has lamented that the country’s educational curriculum is not tackling the literacy needs of the country, saying it has failed to address the major reason why children go to school.

He made the observation at the school’s valedictory service for the 2017/2018 graduating class while speaking on a topic, “Life after school is more competitive: Literacy answers it all.”

Mekwunye who defined literacy as “The ability of individuals to read, write, interpret, innovate, process materials or information as well as understand and apply it,” stressed that education managers across the country must tailor their academic programmes to fit into the above-mentioned as anything short of that is a failure.

“The above meaning of literacy as captured by the United Nations Organisation should be the reason why children go to school. A careful look at the national curriculum for primary and secondary schools In Nigeria will show that our curricula does not properly address why children should go to school. Education is expected to equip the child for survival in the society, and since youths are the engine room for growth and development of any country, quality education is a must.

“It means education should be able to transmit cultural heritage, moral and spiritual values, innovations, problem solving techniques, job orientation, social responsibility as well as political participation. The curriculum content was supposed to be fluid and should vary a little from one community to another to meet the felt needs of the various communities. The use of non-functional curriculum is the major source of the multiplicity of the social, education and economic crises that the country is battling with today.”

On the way forward, Mekwunye asserted that there is no short cut to quality education, adding that increasing participation of private individuals and companies must be encouraged, “if there must be a way out.”Chairman, Board of Trustee of Pacific Group of Schools, Mr. Remi Omosowon, assured that the graduating students are well equipped to succeed in their various endeavours. “The programmes align very well with the 21st century skills that students need to be college or work ready in the ever changing dynamic world.”

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