Project Abstract

Abstract
The implementation of a new Igbo language curriculum in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria, presents various challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its successful adoption and effectiveness. This research aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced in implementing the new curriculum and provide recommendations for improvement. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data is collected through interviews with educators, students, and curriculum developers, as well as surveys and document analysis. The research focuses on understanding the perceptions, experiences, and difficulties encountered by stakeholders in the implementation process. Preliminary findings indicate several key challenges hindering the effective implementation of the new Igbo language curriculum in Enugu State secondary schools. These challenges include inadequate teacher training and professional development, lack of instructional materials and resources, resistance to change from teachers and students, and curriculum alignment issues with existing teaching practices. To address these challenges, recommendations are made to enhance teacher training programs, provide sufficient resources and materials for effective teaching and learning, engage stakeholders in the curriculum development process, and promote a positive attitude towards the new curriculum among teachers and students. Additionally, there is a call for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process to identify and rectify issues in a timely manner. The findings of this research contribute to the existing body of knowledge on curriculum implementation challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the context of Igbo language education. By identifying specific obstacles and offering practical recommendations, this study aims to support policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders in improving the implementation of the new Igbo language curriculum in Enugu State secondary schools. In conclusion, the successful implementation of a new curriculum requires a comprehensive understanding of the challenges involved and proactive measures to address them. By addressing issues such as teacher training, resource availability, stakeholder engagement, and curriculum alignment, the effectiveness of the new Igbo language curriculum in secondary schools in Enugu State can be significantly enhanced.

Project Overview

This research work was aimed at identifying the challenges of the implementation of the new Igbo language curriculum in secondary schools in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study identified problems in the implementation of the new curriculum in the areas of objectives, methodology, instructional materials and evaluation techniques used by teachers. Five research questions and four hypotheses were posited to guide the researcher in the study. four hundred and fifty secondary school Igbo language teachers selected from one hundred and fifty secondary schools in three education zones of Enugu state constituted the sample for the study. Instruments for data collection were the questionnaire, checklist and observation schedule designed to elicit information from teachers. The data collected were analyzed based on mean scores, percentages and Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The information collected indicated that the objectives of teaching the new Igbo language curriculum were being achieved even though most of the resource materials are not available in schools and instructional materials were not adequately used by teachers. The information also indicated that apart from field trip, all the other methodologies namely, lecture, Discovery, project, play and dramatization were being effectively used by teachers. It also indicated that all the evaluative techniques were being used. The ANOVA analysis indicated that the extent of achievement of objectives, adoption of the methodology use of instructional materials and evaluative techniques were independent of teacher qualification. Based on these findings, recommendations were made which included that, teachers should be resourceful. In other words they should improvise the teaching aids to make their lessons interesting to provide motivation for the learners. Teachers should attend workshops, seminars and in-service training to equip them with modern techniques of teaching. Government should provide money to school to purchase the materials that teachers cannot improvise.