Anambra State is officially rewriting the rules of the Nigerian classroom. In a bold departure from traditional rote learning, the state government has integrated 15 high-demand entrepreneurial subjects into its Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum, effectively turning schools into vocational incubators.
Beyond the Blackboard: 15 Paths to Independence The new curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “doing.” Instead of just studying theory, students will now gain mastery in specialized, income-generating fields, including:
-
The Green Tech Frontier: Solar installation and agriculture processing.
-
Modern Infrastructure: Plumbing, tiling, POP installation, and CCTV/Intercom setup.
-
The Digital Economy: Robotics, information technology, GSM repairs, and digital literacy.
-
Creative Industries: Event management, garment making, professional makeup, and interior design.
From Job Seekers to Job Creators Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), unveiled the initiative in Awka, emphasizing that the modern world no longer rewards those who only pass examinations. The goal is a radical shift in mindset: preparing 13 and 14-year-olds not to graduate into unemployment, but to enter the market as value-creators and innovators.
The End of “Theory-Only” Education Academic experts, including Cyril Nwuche of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, have hailed the move as a vital economic transformation. The initiative advocates for the establishment of “Entrepreneurship Clubs” in every school, ensuring that practical skills are supported by a community of like-minded young builders.
By introducing robotics alongside tiling, and digital literacy alongside plumbing, Anambra is creating a balanced workforce capable of thriving in both the artisanal and technological sectors.
The Bottom Line Anambra State is signaling to the rest of the country that the “certificate-only” era is over. By embedding Intercom installation and hairstyling into the formal education of its youth, the state is building a resilient, self-reliant economy from the ground up. These students won’t just be looking for work when they graduate—they’ll be hiring.
