RELEVANCE OF THE NIGERIAN CORE CURRICULUM AND MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS (CCMAS) IN EQUIPPING STUDENTS FOR EMPLOYABILITY IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ERA
Keywords:
Art and Design, Employment Potentials, Nigerian Universities Curriculum, Graduate Employability Model, 4IR eraAbstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping the global employment landscape, emphasizing the need for a dynamic, technology-driven skill set across all disciplines, including art and design. This study critically examined the relevance of the current Nigerian Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in preparing art and design students for employability in the 4IR era. This study appraised the employability relevance of selected general courses in the Nigerian art and design CCMAS, drawing on the five core components of the CareerEDGE model of graduate employability. The analysis revealed that while the curriculum offers significant potential for enhancing students' employability, the effectiveness of these courses can be substantially improved through intentional integration of reflective practices, industry engagement, soft skills development, and emotional intelligence training. The study concluded that aligning art and design education with the CareerEDGE model provides a practical framework for producing graduates who are not only technically proficient but also adaptable, entrepreneurial, and career-ready. This research offers vital implications for curriculum reform, policy development, and strategic educational planning to enhance graduate outcomes in Nigeria’s creative sector.
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