Ini Billie, Uyo
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the inclusion of the National Values Charter in the nation’s school curriculum.
The mandatory charter would be part of the curriculum in basic and post-basic schools in Nigeria.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that the charter will henceforth be taught during the pre-resumption retreat of FEC and National Assembly members, the judiciary, and other government appointees.
Speaking on Wednesday in Uyo during a press conference on the nationwide sensitization on the National Values Charter and National Anthem, Issa-Onilu who was represented by the Director General, Orientation and Behavioral Modification, NOA, Tessy Nnalue, said the new syllabus would contain critical topics.
He explained that the topics would help to raise model citizens among Nigerian children as ambassadors of values.
He noted that the mandatory inclusion of the charter in schools and FEC pre-resumption retreat would promote civil education and awareness, engage stakeholders in value reorientation and foster partnerships for national development.
“The Federal Executive Council has approved the mandatory inclusion of the National Values Charter as part of the curriculum of schools at both the basic and post-basic schools. This new syllabus will comprise key topics,” he said.
Also, Akwa Ibom State Director, NOA, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom said to restore the dignity and standard of national symbols, FEC approved that the first stanza of the National Anthem should be rendered at all official functions.
Mkpoutom mentioned that the three stanzas of the National Anthem should be for special occasions such as Independence Day, Democracy Day, Children’s Day, and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, among others.
He mentioned that the third stanza of the new National Anthem be adopted as national prayer and NOA as the custodian of the national symbols should be the source of all official symbols to ensure standardization.
“FEC approved the change of name from the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade to Citizens Value Brigade. The WAI brigade of the NOA was established during the military era but has remained an anathema as a democratic government cannot be seen to be waging war against its citizens over indiscipline,” he said.