In 2009, the Amaechi-led administration (former River State governor), in conjunction with the Moral Reform Initiative, worked through the Primary (Basic) Schools Board and recruited/trained about three hundred Pastors that were selected from different Christian denominations. The aim was to post them to all the secondary schools in Rivers State to give Bible-based moral instructions to the pupils.
Though this Initiative was aborted for some reason, it was a very thoughtful initiative which had high hopes of making impact and transformation in the moral values of children and youths, and to a large extent, to the society at large. Nonetheless, it achieved the sensitization that was needed in restoring the moral decadence prevalent at that time.
That move was made fourteen years ago. We can only imagine the effect it would have made today if it was properly planned and carefully implemented. On the flip side, we can also imagine the level of decadence the absence of such policies in Nigeria must have brought when compared to the level of vices that are raiding the country today.
In a similar approach, Mr Kingsley Chima, the Imo State House of Representative, has moved a motion on the need to enforce compulsory teaching of moral instruction classes and imbibing that in Nigeria’s educational curriculum. Mr Chima emphasized the need to reintroduce moral instruction classes as a strategy to build good morals in the younger generation and to prevent further decadence, to provide proper moral orientation for future generations.
During my school days in the 80s, moral instruction was a compulsory subject in Nigeria’s school curriculum. One cannot doubt the effect it had on the quality of students produced during those years.The reason why it was removed in the curriculum cannot be explained but it is very evident that the rate at which our society is degenerating is worrisome and one may deduce that all social problems that are prevalent today are resultant effects of moral decadence.Thus, government, individuals, society…everybody, both the ordinary citizens and the political class must collaborate and restore the moral values in our society through restoring moral instruction classes both in primary and secondary schools.
Given the role morality plays in the society which goes beyond the character of the citizens but extends to the peaceful coexistence, progress and development in the society, schools are implored not only to take responsibilities of intellectual and skill development of pupils, but to see to the rigorous task of moral development of their pupils. The heartbreaking news we read everyday about killing, ritual, murder, disobedience, disrespect, sexual abuse, drug addiction, drunkenness, thuggery, wanton destruction of lives and property, rape, molestation, cultist, indolence and many other forms of vices perpetrated by adolescents of today, are results of the gap created by the negligence of moral values years ago. Everybody is affected, and we can not pretend that we do not know what to do, at least at the foundational level.
Decades ago, even before the formal education system was introduced, children were trained in traditional ways. Moral values such as maintenance of good family image, honesty, integrity, peaceful living, independent mind, bravery, common sense, empathy, respect, love being homely and domesticated, amongst others, were high standard virtues. Many other cultural values and rich heritage were imbibed on the young ones through which they understood the benefits of good behaviours and the repercussions of bad attitudes. There was total consciousness of what is done and how it’s done. Evil was limited to the barest minimum, and love, unity, and oneness were embraced by individuals, families, and communities. Moral values were at the centre of every occupation practised in those days.Thus, history witnessed the impact of the rich moral standards placed in child upbringing and succeeding generations were beneficiaries of that.
God places a high demand on morals. He assesses and records our characters, behaviours, actions, inactions, and attitudes in our different walks of life. He places a reward on both good and bad deeds, and this comes in this life and life hereafter. Character is the strongest virtue anybody can possess, and without good morals, good character can not be achieved. No matter the level of high achievement or high intellectual capacity one may possess, without a sound moral standard, he can not be right before God and man. There are many men in history who have gone down shamefully with great talents and influence because they sacrificed their morals on the altar of immoral and disreputable acts. Thus, scientific development and technological advancement without concomitant moral values are worthless and can not be harnessed appropriately for good results.
This article seeks the revitalisation of basic moral reasoning and adequate moral values in Nigeria basic education system. There is a huge gap to bridge, and the earlier it’s done, the better for everybody. I therefore implore the government at the federal, state, and municipal level to consider the reintroduction of moral instruction classes in primary and secondary school curriculum in Nigeria. In so doing, humanitarian organisations and missionaries would gear towards raising and sending moral instructors to schools in order to advance the progressive course of the teaching. With this approach, schools will properly adjust and assume the responsibility vested on them to impact and instil moral values. Families and parents will also find support and collaboration with schools towards the realization of this worthy course.
Let’s all be committed to reforming our heirs today for a better tomorrow. High moral standard gives every life achievement a balance. Without it, it’s like having a rich garden with thorns and thistles.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
