Nigeria adds Hairstyling, Plumbing, GSM repair and others to Basic Education curriculum

• Nigeria’s Education Overhaul: $3 Billion Beauty Market Meets Classroom with Hairstyling and Makeup Curriculum
• Vocational Skills in Schools: GSM Repairs Taps into Nigeria’s $70 Billion Telecom Sector
• Empowering Youth: Solar Installation Joins Nigeria’s Curriculum as Renewable Energy Market Eyes $10 Billion Growth

In a bid to reform Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has revamped the Basic Education curriculum by introducing 16 new vocational subjects designed to enhance students’ practical skills and employability. According to a statement by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the changes will take effect from January 2025 for primary and junior secondary students nationwide.

The newly added trades include hairstyling, plumbing, GSM repairs, makeup, tiling and floor works, POP installation, event decoration and management, bakery and confectioneries, interior design, garment making, and agriculture and processing (covering crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming like poultry and rabbit rearing). Basic digital literacy, including IT and robotics, as well as CCTV, intercom, solar installation, and satellite/TV antenna installation and maintenance, are also part of the subjects.

These additions not only aim to align education with practical job markets but also tap into industries worth billions of Naira. For instance:
• Hairstyling and Makeup: The Nigerian beauty market is valued at approximately $3 billion annually, driven by the demand for personal grooming and cosmetics.
• GSM Repairs: With Nigeria’s telecom sector contributing over $70 billion to the economy, GSM repair skills meet a critical need in device maintenance and services.
• Event Decoration and Bakery: The event and catering industries are thriving, with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion, boosted by weddings and celebrations across the country.
• Solar Installation and Maintenance: As renewable energy gains traction, the solar energy market in Nigeria is projected to grow to $10 billion by 2030, creating lucrative opportunities for skilled workers.

By embedding these subjects into the curriculum, the government aims to foster self-reliance among students and address the high unemployment rate by equipping them with the skills to thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic job market.