THE ROLE OF TEACHERS IN CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD Babangida Yaki, PhD

Abstract

The role of the teacher in curriculum implementation is pivotal to the realization of educational goals and the translation of policy intentions into meaningful classroom practices. This paper critically examines the multifaceted roles of teachers in curriculum enactment, exploring the challenges that impede effective implementation and proposing strategic pathways to strengthen teacher capacity and support systems. Drawing on both theoretical frameworks, including constructivist learning theory, curriculum implementation theory, and teacher professional competency theory and empirical evidence from Nigerian and international contexts, the study highlights teachers’ functions as curriculum interpreters, instructional designers, facilitators of learning, assessors, reflective practitioners, and agents of educational change. Despite their centrality, teachers face a range of challenges, including inadequate pre-service preparation, limited professional development, large class sizes, resource scarcity, policy instability, weak institutional support, low motivation, linguistic and cultural barriers, and digital literacy deficits. Addressing these challenges requires holistic interventions, including the reform of pre-service teacher education, institutionalized continuous professional development, strong instructional leadership, improved welfare and motivation, access to teaching resources, participatory policy processes, and the integration of ICT in pedagogy. The paper concludes that empowering teachers through targeted capacity building and systemic support is essential for enhancing curriculum fidelity, promoting learner-centred pedagogies, and achieving sustainable educational reform. By positioning teachers as co-creators of knowledge and change agents, educational systems can bridge the gap between curriculum policy and classroom practice, ultimately improving learning outcomes and contributing to quality education.