Lanre Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate nationalism into the national education curriculum. This initiative aims to make nationalism a mandatory subject across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, with the goal of instilling positive ethics and values in future generations.
During a recent visit to the Niger State directorate of the agency in Minna, Onilu underscored the crucial importance of introducing nationalism into the education system. He expressed concern about the widespread influence of foreign content, especially through cartoons, on children. To counter this trend, Onilu announced forthcoming initiatives, including a call for professionals to create cartoons that promote local values. Additionally, a mobile app featuring indigenous cartoons and content celebrating national values and cultural heritage is in the works.
Onilu voiced his dismay over the erosion of indigenous ethics and values, attributing it to the dominance of foreign cultures. He emphasized the urgent need to redefine Nigeria’s global image in a positive light. As part of NOA’s comprehensive strategy, encapsulated by the acronym CLHEEAN, Onilu outlined initiatives focusing on combating criminality and lawlessness, improving health and education, and protecting the environment.
In addressing the challenges faced by society, Onilu revealed plans to establish 37,000 citizen brigades nationwide. These brigades will play a pivotal role in fostering moral and national values, particularly at the primary school level, across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The overarching goal is to create a unified front in building a society that upholds and promotes the core principles of morality and patriotism.
