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.
No comments:
Post a Comment