NOUN Introduces Skills Acquisition into School Curriculum – Don
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has announced that the NOUN Staff Nursery and Primary School has introduced a skills acquisition program into its curriculum.
Professor Peters, who was represented by Professor Sammani Rabo Butswat, made this known while declaring open the 8th Inter-House Sports Competition in Kaduna.
He explained that the vocational skills training includes tailoring, plumbing, and electrical installations.
“We already have 189 pupils interested in different aspects of these vocational trainings. We have approved a small stipend payment, but implementation may not start immediately,” he said.
He further noted that for the current session, the training is free, but by the next session, parents of participating pupils may be required to pay a stipend. The school will also determine whether the program will run only during the academic session or extend into holiday camps.
“We also plan to expand the program to include computer appreciation. Additionally, we want to introduce these young boys and girls to an electronic library, so they can access course materials from anywhere in the world, beyond Kaduna or even outside Nigeria,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), Professor Aminu Umar, described the Inter-House Sports Competition as an annual event aimed at nurturing the talents of young pupils.
“This event is designed to refresh and rekindle the talents of our pupils, reinforcing the saying that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ As you can see, the children are excited, and I am pleased with the large turnout of parents who have come to watch their wards perform,” he stated.
Professor Umar emphasized the importance of vocational skills alongside academic learning.
“In the 21st century, education is about talent, intelligence, and vocation. A child may excel in academics but struggle in vocational skills, or vice versa. That is why we have started this initiative. We hope for your support and cooperation as we embark on this new journey to align with the government’s policy on vocational training from the basic education level,” he said.
The event featured a variety of activities, including: 25 meters race (boys and girls – Nursery), Picking the balls competition, Frog race (boys and girls) and 100 meters race (boys and girls)
Others are,Sack race (boys and girls – Primary level), Mixed relay (boys and girls), Tug of war (for parents and teachers) and Teachers’ race (men and women)
The event concluded with the presentation of medals, certificates, and trophies to winners across various categories.
