ETHICS, VIOLENCE AND CIVIC EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NIGERIA SEMINAR

The Role Of Civil Societies In Addressing The Issue Of Ethics And Violence In The Civic

Education System Of Nigeria And How The Steps Contribute Towards Building Good

Citizens In The Country

BY EMANNUEL ULAYI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORCIVIC DUTIES AWARENESS

INITIATIVE(CIDAI)`

What the issues are

?

“a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values “`

We Ask the Question?

Can Any Nation Develop Where Conflict Thrives?

Research on the need for Civic Education

YUSUF, AbdulRaheem1, AGBONNA, Samuel Ayorinde1, JEKAYINFA, Alice Arinlade1* and SALIU, Ahmed2 in a study on Effects of citizenship education component of social studies on civic literacy and attachment of upper basic students in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

Notes that some of following problems plague Nigeria in the next slide

Problems Plaguing Nigeria

What to do then?

• Create a forum to instill in Nigerian a sense of belonging and responsiveness to their roles as citizens

• Have a platform to engage people on discussion to address the social, political and economic problems facing us as Nation

• Encourage the Civic Education activities already going on in schools

• Continue an engagement on promoting civic participation and responsiveness

Onging Approaches Towards Civic Education

What Has Been Civil Society Organizations role?

• Improving knowledge about civic structures, democratic processes, promoting social justice and equity

• Encouraging Nigerians to have a positive attitude towards the country and see each other as brothers, not enemies

• Giving feedback to government agencies and funders on what the average Nigerian citizen is saying on the streets concerning their hope for a stronger and more economically stronger Nation

• Being a voice, link and platform in the civic discourse between government and the average Nigerian

What Efforts Have Been Done To Promote Civic Education and Enlightenment

The Civic Duties Awareness Initiative

CIDAI’s work in schools

• We are currently carrying out a “Naija Must Be Great” campaign taking civic education enlightenment to schools

• We have discovered through this campaign that there is a lacuna in Civic Education textbooks and we plan to freely distribute the textbooks

• Cidai has partnered with FCT Primary and Secondary School Board and the Nigeria Orientation Agency(NOA) to further develop other teaching tools for schools

Rationale for re-introducing civic education in schools

• Dwindling national consciousness, social harmony and patriotic zeal

• The notion that the lack of civic education and patriotic orientation had led to disorientation in schools and the larger society

• Rising incidences of corruption, indiscipline, disrespect for both elders and the rule of law

• The need to ensure that the young from an early stage in an organized environment imbibe the spirit of nationhood

• Provide a strong foundation for civic education and participation in governance

The Civic Education Curriculum in Nigerian Schools

Azebanwan (2010) suggest the following topics to be covered• The concept of Nationhood and Democracy• The process of government; Types of government; Different

arms of government and the balance of Power• Unity in diversity; Dealing with conflict; The legal system;

Security; Political Parties and the elective process• The role of the Legislature; Devolution of Powers; Pressure

Groups and Sectional Interests• Child Labour ; The Media and Public Opinion;• Human Rights; Local Government; Crime and Society• Young People and the Law;• Freedom of Speech; and The comity of nation states and the

place and role of Nigeria in it• Etc.

What role does Civic Education play in Schools ?

Questions?

So….

• I share my experience in promoting civic enlightenment

in a Secondary School in Abuja

•How do we then ensure that the lessons learnt by the student s in the classroom are reinforced by the environment ?•How do we monitor adults who are not in the classroom to ensure that they continually imbibe discipline and strong ethics in their dealings?•Can we have strong heros our young ones can emulate who are ethical, disciplined and shun violence?

Engaging People and Promoting More Civic Awareness in and out of the Classroom Is A

Decision We Must Take!

Our Suggestions to ensure that the curriculum is schools is made more practical• The learning methods should be made

more practical with more training tools like case studies or films introduced to enforce learning

• Service learning should be encouraged so that the students can engage actively out of the classroom to work within their communities through actions like gathering petition signatures, organizing events to promote young peoples participation in civic engagement etc

Other Suggestions…•Peer to peer training programmes should be encouraged for continuous learning opportunities•The teachers should model good citizenship skills and encourage the students to practice them•Avenues to open opportunities for thought and discussion on the nature of civic rights and responsibilities and the students role in transforming society should be promoted e.g essay writing competitions

CIDAI Promotes Ethics and Civic Participation

To Stop The Violence

Because….

In Summary…

Promotes civic engagement and supports democratic and participatory

governance

Producing healthy, good andactive citizens who are patriotic,

responsible, disciplined,well- informed and conscientious

Is A Joint Responsibility of Society

Thank you for your role in stopping the violence and promoting ethics as we build better citizens towards

a better nation!