IMPLEMENTATION OF CORE CURRICULUM MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARD IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Introduction

The implementation of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in Nigerian universities is an essential strategy for enhancing the quality, consistency, and relevance of higher education. CCMAS establishes a framework of minimum academic expectations across programs, ensuring that students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to meet both national and global educational standards. By providing clear guidelines for curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and assessment practices, CCMAS seeks to foster academic excellence, accountability, and equity in learning outcomes across Nigerian universities.

Despite its potential benefits, the practical implementation of CCMAS in Nigerian universities faces numerous challenges. These include inadequate funding, limited technological infrastructure, insufficient training of academic staff, and resistance to change from educators accustomed to traditional curricular and assessment practices. Additionally, variations in institutional capacity and a lack of standardized monitoring mechanisms often result in inconsistent adherence to the prescribed academic standards.

Addressing these challenges requires targeted solutions such as investment in faculty development, enhancement of educational infrastructure, effective policy enforcement, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of curriculum delivery. By adopting these measures, Nigerian universities can overcome the barriers to CCMAS implementation, thereby improving educational quality, promoting student success, and aligning the nation’s higher education system with global best practices. Thus, this chapter is discussed under the following subheadings.

1. Concept of University
2. Concept of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS)
3. Problems facing implementation of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in Nigeria
4. Sustainable Strategies to enhance implementation of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in Nigeria