Factors Hindering Effective Curriculum Performance and National Educational Goals in Nigeria (2015–2027) Political Era

Abstract

This article explores the factors hindering effective curriculum performance in achieving the national goal of education in Nigeria with reference to 2015-2027 Political Era. The main argument of the study is that despite Nigeria's ambitious national goal of education aimed at empowering Nigerian citizens to their full potential to promote a strong democratic, egalitarian, prosperous, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation through a series of educational reforms by successive governments, the aforementioned expectations still look like a mirage after five decades. Through a qualitative research methodology utilising literature-based content review, document analysis, and case study approaches, the study identifies key areas of obstacles, including a lack of government political will, inadequate funding, insufficient teacher training, and unstable and inconsistent curriculum implementation challenges, which continue to impede progress. The article concludes with actionable recommendations underscoring the urgent need for resilience political will of the government to enhance resource allocation, community engagement and appointment of professional manpower to improve the sector. The uniqueness of this research lies not only in the development of a framework for curriculum optimization in Nigeria, which delineates strategic pathways for aligning educational practices with national aspirations. Nor its contribution to enrich the existing literature and broader discourse on educational reforms, but it also serves as a pragmatic guide for current stakeholders aiming to elevate the efficacy of Nigeria’s educational system in alignment with its overarching goals.