Why NUC introduces Core Curriculum, minimum academic standards -Prof. Okebukola

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The National Universities Commission (NUC) introduced the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) to make university education in Nigeria more responsive to the needs of society and to address the various insecurities and socio-economic challenges.
The Chairman of the NUC Secretary Advisory Committee and Lead Consultant on the project, Prof. Peter A. Okebukola, asserted this a keynote address at the 55th Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) Annual Conference at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, yesterday
According to him the new CCMAS was a product of sustained stakeholder interactions for over two years.
The Keynote Speaker was ably represented by the Dean, Faculty of Science, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Kola Lawal.
Okebukola, who is the Fellow of the Science Association of Nigeria (FSAN) and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), explained that the composition of each panel took into consideration, the triple helix model as a unique feature.
This, according to him, involved a blend of academic experts, academies, government (represented by NUC), professional bodies, and the private sector represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
He said that science and technology must respond to societal needs and global challenges, stressing that members of the public must have an understanding and participate in science and technology to make informed personal and professional choices.
He also stated that the role of the Science Association of Nigeria was to ensure that governments make decisions based on quality science information and that the Senate must be advised to legislate on societal issues with the latest scientific knowledge.
The former NUC Executive Secretary further recommended that the communique of SAN’s 55th Conference should be sent to the President, the Federal Executive Council, and the leadership of the National Assembly so that the administration could harness the power of science and technology.