Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has inaugurated a joint Committee on the the infusion of Natio nal Identity Elements and the National Values Charter into the Universities Curriculum.
Issa-Onilu on Monday in Abuja said the inauguration is not just an administrative activity, but the foundation of our collective future as a nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee include, Mr David Akoji, Williams Dogo, Mariam Yakubu, Sheridfat Adegbesen and Josiah Afolabi, all from NOA.
The others are Dr Esther Mmeka, Gambon Mallam, Hadiza Kachallah and Florence Onuoha from National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to him, since independence, Nigeria has been known for the strength of her people, resilient, diverse, and united in aspiration.
“Yet, over the years, we have witnessed a gradual erosion of the values that once defined us. The Nigerian Identity Project is our deliberate effort to restore that foundation.
A” is a national movement, not built on slogans but on action, shared responsibility, and a commitment to institutional transformation.
“At the heart of this project lies the National Values Charter, a renewed social contract between Nigeria our country and its people.
“The Charter is structured around two pillars: The Nigerian Promise, which outlines what every citizen deserves, and the Citizens Codes, which define the values we are called to live by.
“These principles are not abstract, they must be embedded in the hearts of our young people, starting in our schools and culminating in our universities.
“This Committee is now charged with carrying this work forward, ensuring that our universities don’t just produce graduates, but nurture citizens who carry the Nigerian identity with honour and purpose, ” Issa-Onilu said.
He urged the committee to approach the task with urgency, clarity, and unity of purpose, adding that, in reclaiming who we are, we are building the Nigeria we were always meant to be.
He highlighted the seven core commitments of the Nigerian Promise to be infused in the curriculum to include equity, democracy, Entrepreneurship/Employment, peace and security, inclusivity, freedom and justice and Meritocracy.
“Equally important are the Citizen Codes; these are discipline, respect, resilience, leadership, care for others, environmental awareness and accountability.
“Thesevalueswillformtheethicalbackboneoftheuniversitylearningexperience.
“Our work is guided by the Seven Institutionalisation Policies designed to turn these ideals into reality through National Cartoon, Citizenship Studies, Citizen Brigades and the Global Image Campaign.
“Others are Orientation for Public Officials to ensure leadership leads by example, NYSC and ITF Value Modules to cultivate practical civic responsibilities, and the Promotion of National Symbols to fosters pride,” Issa-Onilu said.
Also speaking, the representative of NUC, Mrs Florence Onuoha appreciated the Federal Executive Council for its bold initiative to develop a curriculum for citizenship studies
“This forward-looking decision we believe will reflect a deep commitment to nurturing responsible citizens, fostering national unity, and strengthening democratic values.
“It is a step that will positively shape the character and future of our youths.
“We also commend you, the D-G of NOA for your decision to collaborate with the NUC in developing a curriculum for citizenship studies.
“This partnership reflects your deep commitment and passion towards ensuring the delivery of quality university education in Nigeria.
“I like to assured that this joint committee will do justice to the task assigned to it and also inform us that development of curriculum is done in collaboration with academic experts who specializes in the area,” Oboah said. (NAN)