News
FG adds 15 new trade subjects to basic education curriculum
The Federal Government has introduced 15 new trade subjects into its basic education curriculum to equip students with critical skills for the job market.
The 15 trade subjects include plumbing, tiling and floor works, event management, garment making, digital literacy, solar installation, and agriculture.
The updated curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical, hands-on expertise.
According to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the new curriculum will take effect in January 2025. ”
Nigeria’s Basic Education curriculum updated 15 new trades were added to boost students’ practical skills & employability.
Takes effect Jan 2025 for primary & junior secondary students,” NOA announced on its ‘X’ page.
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman described the initiative as a transformative step toward aligning the education system with the demands of the 21st-century economy. ”
This reform is a bold move to prepare our students for local and global opportunities by providing them with practical skills,” he said.
Students will be encouraged to learn one or two trades alongside their core academic subjects, according to the Ministry of Education.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, praised the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for expediting the curriculum review process despite significant challenges.
He stressed that the initiative would ensure students graduate with skills that meet the economic and industrial needs of their regions.
Acting Executive Secretary of NERDC, Dr Margret Lawani, added that the updated curriculum would include over 20 occupational subjects tailored to Nigeria’s regional and economic priorities.
“Our goal is to prepare students for industries of the future while addressing unemployment challenges,” she explained.
Preparations are already underway to train teachers, develop infrastructure, and integrate technology to support the new curriculum.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
News
Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
-
Politics3 days agoINEC Dismisses Calls for Chairman’s Removal
-
Crime2 days agoThree Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
-
Politics2 days agoOnyejeocha resigns as Minister of State for Labour
-
News15 hours agoKaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
-
Politics2 days agoLabour Party to hold presidential primary April 28
-
Politics2 days agoNo force can defeat Tinubu in 2027 –Umahi
-
News15 hours agoAtiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Lagos Fire Service Successfully Contains Two Overnight Fire Incidents iin Lagos
