CURRICULUM PLANNING AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the relationship between curriculum planning and quality of education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. With the growing demand for quality education and the persistent challenges of declining academic standards in Nigeria, the efficiency of curriculum planning has become critical. The study adopts a mixed-methods design, surveying 400 academic and administrative staff from 20 selected federal, state, and private universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between curriculum planning and quality of education in Nigeria. The study concluded that despite the hindrances, improving curriculum planning practices is a fundamental prerequisite for enhancing and strengthening the quality, performance and relevance of Nigerian tertiary education. The study recommended that strengthened curriculum review systems, increased investment in teacher professional development and improved implementation frameworks to ensure that curriculum reforms effectively contribute to quality education and national educational development.