At a recent press briefing on October 11, 2024, Whisper to Humanity, a feminist organization focused on reclaiming safe spaces for girls, announced its new project aimed at reviewing school curricula in four Nigerian states: Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Delta. The organization is advocating for an overhaul of outdated educational content in primary and secondary schools, aligning it with the transformative growth in the country.
Speaking during the event, Whisper to Humanity’s Executive Director Maryjacobs Okwuosa emphasized the urgent need to modernize the curriculum, noting that it has not been significantly updated in over 12 years. The review is necessary to address Nigeria’s learning crisis, which has resulted in poor numeracy, critical thinking, and overall academic performance among students.
“Report has shown that out of four children in Nigeria, at least one suffers from poor numeracy and critical thinking skills. These factors directly retard national development, and a concerted effort must be made to address them.”
The organization’s goal is to create a safe environment where girls can thrive without feeling threatened by their male counterparts. “The societal pressure that frames boys as providers and girls as dependents has contributed to increased violence against women and girls,” the director explained. Whisper to Humanity aims to dismantle this mindset by empowering girls and fostering equal educational opportunities.
Whisper to Humanity has engaged state governments in discussions about updating the curriculum to meet modern-day standards.
The organization’s work with teachers and students has revealed a gap between the current curriculum and what children need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. “We have seen firsthand that what children expect to learn is not what they are being taught. This puts them at a disadvantage compared to their peers globally,” the director lamented.
In addition to curriculum reform, the organization is also looking to introduce educational games like chess and Scrabble into school programs. These games are intended to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills while keeping them engaged in learning.
Whisper to Humanity called for broader collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and the education sector to ensure the success of this initiative. The organization stressed that the slow response from some government agencies was a barrier to progress, but they remain optimistic that with increased support, the Nigerian education system can be transformed to meet the needs of the next generation.
This project aligns with the goals of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing education as a key driver of equality and empowerment for young girls in Nigeria.
