Speaker
Description
Olufunmibi, O. A.
Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun
ojukurololaakinpelumi@gmail.com
Track: Sustainability and the Future
In Nigeria, the fundamental professional qualification in basic education is the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). But as the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) looms, gaps persist between current models of teacher training and global paradigms. This paper evaluates the structural preparedness of the NCE curriculum implemented by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and analyses its alignment with SDG4 which calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality lifelong learning. To identify key systemic vulnerabilities, the study uses a qualitative documentary analysis of existing national policies and teacher reforms. The results show that despite recent structural reforms to the NCE minimum standards, including the creation of specific pathways (such as early childhood and special needs education), the core curriculum continues to be plagued by pedagogical anachronisms, poor funding and flaws in 21st-century digital literacy frameworks. Therefore, the pre-service teachers do not have the tools to foster gender-inclusive classrooms, environmental stewardship, and critical thinking as desired by the 2030 Agenda. Timeline of existing national policies and teacher reforms. The results indicate that the core curriculum still suffers from pedagogical anachronisms, lack of funding and gaps in the 21st century digital literacy frameworks despite the recent structural reforms of the NCE minimum standards which include the introduction of specific pathways. This leads to the pre-service teachers not having the necessary resources to foster critical thinking, gender-inclusive classrooms, and environmental stewardship as demanded by the 2030. Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)to enforce continuous professional development. Ultimately, aligning the NCE curriculum with the SDGs is not merely an educational reform but a developmental imperative to secure Nigeria’s socio economic future. By future proofing teacher preparation Nigeria can systematically, develop educators capable of fostering 21st century skills.