In its efforts to tackle societal challenges, including internet fraud, sexual deviance, indiscipline, and violence among young people, the Federal Government has taken measures to ensure moral re-orientation and regeneration in schools across the country.

Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who disclosed this at the opening ceremony of a training programme for teachers in basic education, urged youths across the country to shun drug abuse, saying it is one of the things leading young people into crime.

He said the event represents a critical milestone in government’s efforts to strengthen the moral framework of the educational system and build future generations of learners and citizens equipped not just with knowledge, but with ethical and moral values to guide their personal and professional lives.

Sununu said: “Education, as we all know, goes beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge. True education imbues in learners the values and ethics that are foundational for building a just, peaceful, and progressive society.

“We all also recognise that while academic achievement is important, the development of moral character, citizenship, and a sense of responsibility in our learners is just as critical to national development,” the minister stated.

He pointed out that at the core of any progressive society are individuals who possess the virtues of integrity, empathy, and respect for others, adding that these are traits that must be nurtured in children from their earliest years.

Sununu noted that the Universal Basic Education Programme (UBE) as an integral part of Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), places emphasis on inclusive and equitable quality education for all, adding that within this framework, moral reorientation and regeneration are essential components in building the social capital that the country needs.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, said the programme is aimed at equipping teachers with skills to imbibe good morals in learners and also guide them in the right direction.

Bobboyi expressed confidence that the programme would build responsible learners, who will be good and patriotic citizens.

“Our hope is to see how we can infuse values within our system so that the children that are growing up will grow imbibing these values and be responsive to the needs of their fellow human beings, and the country as well,” he stated.

The UBEC chief said the revised basic education curriculum will be effective in the classroom, address the current learning crisis and help children imbibe good moral values.

Director, Teacher Development, UBEC, Olumayowa Aleshin, said the initiative is part of the commission’s effort to curb the spate of moral decadence in schools, producing learners that are morally sound and can contribute meaningfully to societal development.

“This programme could not have been implemented at a better time than now, especially when our country is experiencing an upsurge in several vices among learners. The incessant incidence of drug and sexual abuse, internet fraud, cultism, and examination malpractice, among others, are challenges facing our schools, which we all need to rise against,” Aleshin stated.