Integrating Emergency Preparedness and Life-Saving Skills into the Nigerian Educational Curriculum: A National Imperative

Abstract

Nigeria is constantly and increasingly threatened by a wide range of emergencies, such as natural catastrophes, disease outbreaks, road accidents, fires, and civil unrest. The country's youth are especially at risk during these kinds of emergencies, and this risk is made worse by the fact that most people don't know how to respond to them. This position paper advocates for the compulsory and uniform incorporation of age-appropriate emergency preparedness protocols and life-saving competencies into the national curriculum for primary and secondary education in Nigeria. It argues that teaching a child fundamental skills like CPR, how to stop bleeding, how to be safe around fire, how to give basic first aid, and how to be aware of their surroundings is both a strategic and moral necessity. This proactive step will not only create a culture of safety and resilience from an early age, but it will also immediately lower the number of deaths and illnesses that could have been avoided. The study provides a framework for implementation, prioritising practical, experiential instruction over academic understanding. By investing in this educational reform, Nigeria can provide its young people the tools they need to be first responders, make communities stronger, and take a big step towards protecting future generations. This will turn them from potential victims into capable agents of safety and stability. The paper urged the Federal Ministry of Education and other important groups to make this policy a national priority.