Abstract

The paper examined curriculum enrichment programme as an important component for the enhancement of students’ enrollment in the 21st century commercialized secondary education. Education is no longer only about learning to read and write or adding and subtracting. It now involves the inclusion of enriched activities that can challenge students’ mental, soft skills and   physical abilities thereby expanding their opportunities in life and career. The problem in the world of today is that careers in the industries and academic space have be stressed beyond limit and other less exploited areas should be sought for survival. Curriculum enrichment programmes in schools is one of the ways to accomplish this. It is expressed in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities and offers learners enviable career opportunities. The focus of this paper is to advocate for a robust investment in these activities by school owners and operators. This, apart from enhancing students’ experience, would soar enrollment leading to improved return on investments. Nigeria is among many nation of the world where ownership and operations of educational institutions have been liberalized and commercialized. The paper views curriculum enrichment programme as that aspect of the curriculum learning experiences that has received less attention in the past, but now a latent weapon for attracting students to enroll in an institution, keeping them to completion and sustaining the system. This investigation relied largely on secondary data and empirical findings. Suggestions put forward amongst others are that secondary schools owners should invest heavily in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities as a way of increasing and sustaining enrollment in the volatile and highly competitive education service market.