Senate asks government to include pan-Africanism in schools’ curriculum

The Senate on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to include pan-Africanism in secondary schools curriculum.It also advised that history and civic education should feature prominently nation’s secondary schools to further inculcate the spirit of pan Africanism in youths.

Furthermore, it urged the African Union (AU) to set aside a day for the celebration of former Nigerian president, Dr. Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, and other pan-Africanists.

The lawmakers at a resumed session, noted that the struggle for African unity, as championed by the founding fathers of the continent was fast being forgotten by Nigerian youths.

The resolution followed a motion on floor of the Upper Chamber, by Senator Shehu Sani, who drew the attention of his colleagues to what he called rapid evaporation of the spirit of pan-Africanism from the minds of the youths.

Sani who represents Kaduna Central, said the inclusion of pan-Africanism in schools will “ensure that we do not voluntarily surrender the dream of the founding fathers of Africa.

According to him, “Nigeria as the giant of Africa, which has helped many countries to attain self rule, needs to include the spirit of pan-Africanism in her children to be nurtured in a manner that we can continue to be proud of.

Though senators were opposed to study of pan-Africanism as a separate course in schools in Nigeria, the Senate in a resolution asked the Federal Government to include history and civic education in the schoolsí curriculum.

The lawmakers also voted for the setting aside of a day in Nigeria, and other African countries for the celebration of the founding fathers of the continent.Sani told his colleagues that the dreams of these founding fathers may disappear if our children are not inspired by pan-Africanism.