Donald Duke Unveils Skills-First Vision For Nigeria’s Education System

PRP presidential candidate Donald Duke has called for a broad overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, proposing major changes to secondary education and overseas schooling.

Duke said students should spend their final three years of secondary school developing practical skills that can provide opportunities for employment and self-employment.

Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, he said SS1 to SS3 should focus primarily on skills acquisition.

He argued that students should be able to identify their abilities and receive training in areas ranging from traditional trades to modern technology.

Duke cited masonry and plumbing as examples of practical skills that could be developed in secondary school.

He said the aim should be to ensure that every student leaves secondary school with an ability that can contribute to their livelihood.

The former Cross River governor also proposed that Nigerians below 18 should generally not be issued visas to study abroad.

He said the restriction would allow children to complete their secondary education in Nigeria before considering overseas universities.

Duke argued that sending children abroad at very young ages could weaken their cultural connection to Nigeria.

He also said the proposal could stimulate investment in Nigerian schools by encouraging wealthy families to spend more of their education budgets within the country.

According to him, such investment would create employment, improve local schools and strengthen the domestic education industry.

Duke said Nigeria must also update its curriculum to reflect changes in the global economy.

He highlighted information technology, cybertronics and other emerging fields as areas that should receive greater attention.

He said the country’s education system should ultimately produce young people with both academic knowledge and practical skills relevant to modern society.