Academic dons have questioned the introduction of 39 new subjects by the West African Examinations Council in its curriculum.
In an interview with our correspondent on Friday, the Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, queried why so many subjects were introduced at once by the examination body.
He said, “I believe the introduction of vocational studies, business studies, and technical studies into the curriculum is a good idea; but it is not just the introduction of those courses that is the issue; it is whether we have competent teachers to teach these subjects, the requisite equipments. Do we also have the appropriate learning environment for the students?
“The idea looks good on paper, but the fact that an idea is noble and beneficial does not mean it will become a success; implementation is the critical thing. What is required is the adequate training of more teachers to handle these subjects, as well as the provision of equipment needed to teach those subjects.”
Olukoju also urged the country to change its attitude towards the learning of vocational, technical and business subjects.
“Not everyone can become a professor of history, like me. So, introducing these students to a wider range of subjects would give them better opportunities to pursue their passion and interests in life to prosper, as they would get practical hands-on-experience while taking these subjects,” he said.
On his part, a professor of science and technology education, University of Lagos, Duro Ajeyalemi, said getting the right quality of teachers for the subjects would be a major challenge for WAEC.
“Also, the textbooks and facilities needed to teach these subjects are not available. And with the introduction of these new subjects, I think the total number of subjects students are expected to register should reduce,” he said.
