Issa-Onilu: FEC has approved citizen brigades, citizenship studies in schools

Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), says the federal executive council (FEC) has approved memos for the establishment of citizen brigades in primary and secondary schools.

In an editorial on The Explainer, a weekly publication of the NOA, Issa-Onilu said FEC has also approved the introduction of citizenship studies as a compulsory component of primary to tertiary education.

The NOA DG said citizenship studies will consist of value orientation, civic education and history, while the citizen brigades will “help raise model citizens among Nigerian children as ambassadors of Nigerian values”.

Issa-Onilu said the initiatives were part of the memos approved by FEC on September 23, 2024.

“It is a day to remember as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved 14 prayers in the agency’s two memos,” he said.

“The first memo, unveiling of the national values charter (NVC), consists of eight prayers.

“The second memo, restoration of dignity and standardisation of the national symbols, consists of six prayers.

“We will establish citizen brigades (CB) in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.

“This will help raise model citizens among Nigerian children as ambassadors of Nigerian values.

“Creating role models among Nigerian children is one of the sustainability strategies of the National Identity Project of this administration.

“Introduction of citizenship studies (consisting of value orientation, civic education and history) as a compulsory component of our education system from primary to tertiary levels.

“Value orientation, as exemplified in the national values charter, and understanding the national symbols are mandatory components of retreat for newly appointed or elected federal executive council members, members of the national assembly, the judiciary and government appointees.

“Nationalisation of children’s cartoon content to promote our values, cultures, heroes and lifestyles and encourage local cartoon content creators through various forms of government support to create jobs and opportunities.

“Value orientation is now compulsory for the NYSC’s one-year national youth service. At the same time, the Industrial
Training Fund (ITF) skill-up programme will now include national values orientation for artisans.”

The NOA DG said the agency will begin national symbols training for foreigners seeking to naturalise as Nigerians.