One-day Orientation Workshop for Character Education: Preparing for National Implementation in Nigeria

Written by UPF-Africa
Saturday, January 4, 2025

Abuja, Nigeria — On Thursday, October 31, 2024, The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Nigeria organized a one-day orientation workshop to equip resource persons with the knowledge and skills necessary for the national implementation of the Peace and Character Education (PCE) program. The initiative focuses on addressing the growing need for character education in schools and reinforcing moral and ethical values among youth to counter the decline in societal standards.

Rev. George Ogurie, the Sub-regional Director and IAPD regional coordinator delivered a compelling lecture on the significance of character education. He highlighted the diminishing role of families in instilling these values and emphasized the importance of integrating character education into school curricula. By doing so, educators can reach young people at an early stage, fostering ethical behavior and a sense of responsibility. Following the lecture, participants engaged in an interactive discussion, sharing their perspectives and suggestions to strengthen character education.

The workshop also offered an in-depth overview of the Peace and Character Education pilot project in Nigeria. This initiative, launched by UPF, seeks to promote peace and good character among youth. Initially started under the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Lagos, the program has since expanded, receiving government approval in 2018 to include public schools. With a goal of training 4,560 teachers nationwide, the program has garnered support from numerous national agencies, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

In 2022, the pilot project was implemented in 20 public schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). To ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum, a Teacher’s Guide and Learners’ Workbook were developed. The program’s impact has been notable, with a significant increase in PCE activities in schools by 2023 compared to its absence in 2018. The findings underscore the potential of integrating PCE into the core curriculum to promote peaceful and constructive living.

During the workshop, Ambassador Dantsoho presented a comprehensive action plan for the program’s implementation. This plan outlined key steps, including teacher training, school-based learning sessions for primary-level students, the formation of Peace and Character Clubs, and interventions to address character issues. Additionally, parents were briefed on the objectives of the program, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in its success. Educational materials were designed to support the implementation, ensuring uniformity across participating schools.

The session also highlighted the program’s adaptability, demonstrating how PCE can be delivered as a standalone course or integrated into other subjects. The workshop culminated with an outline of the upcoming three-day pilot program scheduled for November 25–27, 2024, which aims to further refine and expand the initiative.

The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Ambassador Abubakar Dantsoho, signaling the end of a productive day. This workshop reaffirmed UPF’s commitment to nurturing peace and character education as essential pillars for building a morally grounded and harmonious society.