ASSESSING THE ALIGNMENT OF NIGERIA CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION (NCE) SCIENCE EDUCATION CURRICULUM WITH INDUSTRY NEEDS AND WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Science Education programme serves as a crucial pathway for science teaching and technical workforce development. Yet, concerns exists regarding curriculum alignment with rapidly evolving industry requirements in developing Nigeria. This mixed-methods study examined the relationship between NCE Science Education curriculum content and industry needs across diverse sectors in North Central Nigeria. The study employed structured questionnaires and surveyed two hundred (200) stakeholders from four key groups: industry employers, NCE science education graduates employed in sciences, industry professionals, and curriculum developers. Using stratified random sampling across six states (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and FCT). Fifty (50) representatives were selected from each stakeholder group. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in alignment perceptions among stakeholder groups (F = 47.32, p < 0.001). Industry employers demonstrated the lowest alignment scores (M = 2.34, SD = 0.78), indicating substantial curriculum-industry gaps, while curriculum developers showed highest alignment perceptions (M = 3.87, SD = 0.65). NCE graduates (M = 2.89, SD = 0.82) and industry professionals (M = 2.76, SD = 0.71) reflected moderate alignment levels. Post-hoc analysis identified significant differences between all group pairings (p < 0.05), with the largest gap between employers and curriculum developers (mean difference = 1.53, p < 0.001). Primary misalignment areas included were practical laboratory skills (68% gap), digital technology integration (72% gap), and industry-specific competencies (59% gap). The study revealed considerable curriculum-industry misalignment and significant stakeholder perception disparities, highlighting urgent reform needs to bridge theory-practice divides and enhance graduate employability. Recommendations include the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) developing structured industrial-academia partnerships, implementing mandatory industrial internships, establishing curriculum review committees with 40% industry representation, and integrating technological skills aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) to ensure continuous curriculum alignment with evolving industry demands.