CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA'S 2025 BASIC AND SECONDARY CURRICULUM OVERHAUL: A DOCUMENT ANALYSIS OF POLICY OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION DYNAMICS

Abstract

This paper which is based on Tyler’s objective curriculum model, offers a critical evaluation of the 2025 Nigerian curriculum reform. This paper mainly focused on its structural modifications, expectations, and possible challenges to its implementation. The reform aims to enhance skill acquisition among students while reducing curriculum loads. Through the use of qualitative document analysis of official curriculum reform policy documents, this paper examined how the reform aims to improve student learning outcomes while identifying potential implementation issues. The findings show that the reform places emphasis on the development of practical skills and competency-based learning. There is also a decrease in curriculum loads across primary and secondary education. However, it was shown that teacher preparedness, insufficient resource distribution and contextual adaptation can contribute to a successful implementation. In addition to providing insights for educators and stakeholders seeking to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, this paper also contributes to the ongoing discourse about curriculum re-design in the country.