Title: An overview of the barriers to curriculum implementation in Nigerian universities

Authors: Williams P. Akpochafo, Walter Leal Filho

Addresses: Department of Social Science Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. ' Tutech Innovation, Hamburg, Germany

Abstract: University education in Nigeria, as it is the case in other developing countries, has a specific mission of producing a critical mass of Nigerians, grounded in the key generic skills, who on the basis of the high-quality higher education they offer would provide the needed catalyst for the nation|s socio-political and economic development. Studies and opinion of experts show that Nigerian universities at present are not producing high-quality graduates. In effect, it means that the curriculum is poorly implemented. The barriers to effective implementation of the university curriculum in Nigeria are identified and discussed. They include under-funding, population explosion, quantity and quality of the teaching staff, the quality of new entrants (students) into the university system and time usage. Their effects on effective curriculum implementation are highlighted and the way forward is discussed. It is believed that sources other than government subvention, like charging tuition fees, exploring alumni, foundations, corporations and investments can yield more revenue. Others are ensuring staff welfare to stem brain drain; revitalising the National Open University of Nigeria and improved time management.

Keywords: universities; Nigeria; curriculum implementation; barriers; higher education; educational quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2006.011893

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2006 Vol.16 No.6, pp.493 - 501

Published online: 30 Dec 2006 *

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