NOA Forms Committee to Infuse Values in Universities

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, DG, National Orientation Agency (NOA)

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has inaugurated a joint committee to integrate the National Identity Elements and National Values Charter into Nigerian university curricula. Director-General Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu led the inauguration in Abuja, describing it as crucial for shaping the nation’s future.

The committee includes representatives from NOA—David Akoji, Williams Dogo, Mariam Yakubu, Sheridfat Adegbesen, and Josiah Afolabi—and from the National Universities Commission (NUC)—Dr. Esther Mmeka, Gambon Mallam, Hadiza Kachallah, and Florence Onuoha.

Issa-Onilu stressed the need to restore core national values, noting that the National Values Charter combines the Nigerian Promise, outlining citizens’ rights, and the Citizen Codes, which define civic responsibilities.

The Charter emphasises equity, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom, and meritocracy, while the Citizen Codes highlight discipline, respect, resilience, leadership, care for others, environmental awareness, and accountability.

The committee will implement these principles through initiatives such as Citizenship Studies, Citizen Brigades, National Cartoon campaigns, NYSC and ITF modules, and promotion of national symbols.

NUC representative Florence Onuoha praised the initiative for fostering responsible citizens, national unity, and democratic values. She assured that the curriculum development would uphold academic rigour and produce graduates who embody the Nigerian identity with pride, integrity and purpose.