The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has revealed that the Federal Government is poised to introduce Citizenship Studies as a core subject across all levels of education in Nigeria.
During a Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders held in Lokoja as part of a 2-day visit to Kogi, the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders to discuss government policies and programs.
Highlighting the necessity of integrating citizenship studies into the educational system, Issa-Onilu emphasized the role it would play in instilling the right values and character traits in every Nigerian child.
He announced the imminent introduction of Citizenship Studies as compulsory subjects and courses in primary, secondary, and tertiary education, aiming to equip students with essential values and skills to contribute positively to society.
The initiative is set to commence this year with the establishment of 37,000 Citizenship Brigades, comprising 1,000 students per state in primary and secondary schools.
Issa-Onilu also underscored the significance of codifying national values through the National Values Charter, an initiative spearheaded by NOA. He noted the absence of a structured value system in Nigeria and emphasized the need to promote and uphold values for national development.
Addressing the stakeholders, Issa-Onilu stressed the importance of collaboration in improving the country’s values, urging all stakeholders to work together towards promoting prosperity, unity, and integrity in governance.
Acknowledging the stakeholders’ contributions, the Director-General commended their support and commitment to NOA’s efforts in advancing Nigeria’s development.
In response to stakeholders’ concerns, including calls for a reduction in petroleum pump prices and the reintroduction of Religious Studies as a compulsory subject, NOA pledged to relay these concerns to the Federal Government for consideration.