Curriculum implementation: Challenges and the prospect of education resource centres to aid effective implementation

Abstract

This paper delves into the challenges impeding effective curriculum implementation in Nigerian higher education institutions, ranging from inadequate funding to a brain-drain crisis. Recognizing the critical role of curriculum implementation in achieving national educational objectives, the study identifies these barriers highlighted concerning the misalignment between intended and implemented curricula, underscoring the need for strategic solutions. The paper then explores the prospects of Educational Resource Centres (ERCs) as catalysts for addressing these challenges. ERCs are portrayed as multifaceted entities capable of alleviating heavy academic loads, compensating for limited school facilities, and fostering inclusive education. The discussion emphasizes the alignment of ERCs with curriculum support, the provision of multimedia resources for diverse learning styles, and the pivotal role in dynamic instruction through advanced teaching aids. Furthermore, ERCs are seen as pivotal in providing educational support services, offering professional development opportunities for educators, and facilitating teachers' involvement in curriculum planning. It concludes by asserting the indispensable role ERCs play in reshaping the landscape of education, ensuring a future where curriculum implementation is not just a challenge but a collaborative journey that aids effective implementation which fosters achieving curriculum objectives that translate to attaining national developmental targets.