The Federal Government has officially redefined secondary education in Nigeria with the introduction of a new skill-based curriculum. Trade subjects are now compulsory, offering six practical options:
-
Solar PV Installation & Maintenance
-
Fashion Design & Garment Making
-
Livestock Farming
-
Beauty & Cosmetology
-
Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
-
Horticulture & Crop Production
In addition, Digital Technologies has been introduced as a core subject.
At SkillUp Naija, we view this development as more than the addition of “skill acquisition” courses. It represents a shift toward skills development—a holistic process that helps students discover their natural abilities, learn practical methods to nurture them, and receive guided support to grow these abilities into lifelong assets. This approach ensures the new curriculum doesn’t just add extra workload but truly transforms the learning experience.
The Implementation Challenge
In the past year, as we engaged with school owners, teachers, and administrators nationwide, the same questions kept coming up:
-
How do we implement this new policy without overwhelming our schools?
-
How do we set up skill resource centres and purchase expensive equipment?
-
How do we recruit and pay additional resource persons?
-
How do we design a scheme of work that teaches each skill progressively from JSS 1 through SSS 3?
These concerns are valid. But the truth is: implementation does not have to be complicated. That’s why SkillUp Naija developed a Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Implementation of the FG Skill-Based Curriculum—a tested framework already working in schools across Edo and Rivers States.
Why This Guide Matters
The Guide provides school owners and administrators with:
-
✅ A clear strategy to start implementation without setting up costly workshops or hiring extra staff immediately.
-
✅ A practical framework for designing schemes of work for each trade subject, covering all six years of secondary school.
-
✅ A progressive learning model that begins with awareness in JSS 1 and gradually builds toward mastery and certification by SSS 3.
Schools that have adopted this model report smoother integration, improved teacher confidence, and enthusiastic student participation.
The Step-by-Step Framework
1. Foundation Stage (JSS 1):
Students begin with self-discovery, entrepreneurial mindset training, and basic exposure to the importance of skills. No trade is imposed at this stage.
2. Exploration Stage (JSS 2):
Learners are introduced broadly to all six trade subjects and entrepreneurship concepts such as small business operations, access to capital, and financial literacy.
3. Specialisation Stage (JSS 3):
Students select one trade skill for deeper training. After BECE exams, they undergo an 8-week Workplace Internship Training (WIT) either on-campus or at approved centres, documented in the SkillUp Naija WIT Logbook. Advanced entrepreneurship topics such as innovation, e-commerce, and business ethics are also introduced. Certification at this level is recommended before graduation from JSS 3.
4. Advanced Development (SSS 1–2):
Learners progress to industry-focused, practical mastery of their chosen trade skill.
5. Certification & National Recognition (SSS 3):
Students are prepared for the National Modular Skills Certificate Examination, a recognised qualification for employment, entrepreneurship, or higher education.
Why This Guide Works
-
It removes the burden of immediate heavy investments.
-
It focuses on both technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset.
-
It has been tested in real schools and proven to work.
By following this framework, schools can implement the new curriculum efficiently, while students are prepared not just as job seekers but as creators of opportunities.
Supporting Resources
SkillUp Naija has also developed a series of textbooks and teaching aids, already approved by State Ministries of Education, to help teachers and students:
-
Skills to Wealth: 21 Practical Skills for Teenagers
-
Entrepreneurship Skills for Beginners (Books 1–3)
-
Agro-Tech to Wealth (Books 1–3)
-
Introduction to New Media Marketing (Books 1–3)
-
A to Z of Student Workplace Internship Training
-
WIT Logbook for Secondary Schools
These resources provide practical classroom content, structured schemes, and easy-to-use tools for teachers.
Final Word
The Federal Government’s Skill-Based Curriculum is a historic opportunity to reposition Nigerian education. With SkillUp Naija’s Step-by-Step Guide, every school—whether large or small, urban or rural—can take confident steps toward implementation.
This is not just about fulfilling curriculum requirements. It is about raising a new generation of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who will power Nigeria’s growth.
👉 Click below to download the full curriculum framework.
👉 Click below to join our free virtual training for teachers on Digital Technologies.
👉 Rivers State teachers: Click below to register for the tuition-free physical training sessions on the six new trade subjects.
Kenneth S. Otidi
Director, SkillUp Naija