Analysis of Health Education Curriculum Content in Colleges of Education in South West Nigeria

The preparation of future health educators is fundamentally shaped by the quality and relevance of health education curriculum content in colleges of education. This study analysed health education curriculum content across colleges of education in South West Nigeria. A document analysis and survey design was used, involving curriculum documents from six colleges of education in Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, supplemented by questionnaire responses from 120 health education lecturers. Content analysis matrices and descriptive statistics were applied. Findings showed that while curricula generally covered communicable disease prevention, family health, and environmental health, emerging areas such as mental health education, digital health literacy, and climate-related health risks were largely absent or inadequately addressed. Practical field-based training components were underrepresented relative to theoretical content. Lecturers expressed strong consensus on the need for curriculum review and alignment with contemporary public health priorities. The study recommended a comprehensive review of the health education curriculum in Nigerian colleges of education by the National Commission for Colleges of Education, with input from professional health education bodies and the Federal Ministry of Health. Keywords: curriculum analysis, health education, colleges of education, South West Nigeria, curriculum reform