Utilizing Islamic Religious Studies Curriculum in Nigerian Universities to Achieve 21st Century Skills in the Country

Abstract

Islamic Studies is a subject taught at all levels of education in Nigeria. The curriculum aims to produce religious scholars primarily for work in mosques. The objectives of Islamic Studies in Nigeria, outlined in the National Policy of Education (NPE), are to instill morals and spiritual consciousness in students and to enable them to apply other knowledge for the benefit of humanity. However, the current curriculum has not fully addressed the NPE's objectives. As a result, graduates of Islamic Studies are primarily relevant in religious contexts, lacking the necessary skills for success in the 21st century. To address this, the curriculum in Nigerian universities needs to be reviewed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making Islamic Studies graduates relevant in a modern context characterized by global competition, cooperation, information growth, and a service economy. By aligning the curriculum with these demands, the study of Islamic Studies in Nigerian universities can become more attractive, relevant, and enterprise. A qualitative analysis of the current Islamic Studies Central Curriculum in Nigerian universities revealed the need for improvement to strike a balance between religious and mundane life. Moreover, the study found that Islamic education has the potential to address socio-political, economic, and ethical challenges in contemporary Nigeria if properly integrated into the curriculum. Therefore, it recommends an all-inclusive curriculum to achieve 21st-century skills in the country.