A professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Abuja, Danladi Emmanuel Ndan, has proposed a transformative values education curriculum as a vital tool for fostering effective citizenship and driving national development in Nigeria.
Ndan stated this while delivering the 45th inaugural lecture at the University of Abuja yesterday.
The lecture was organised under the topic, “Values Education as a Tool for Recalibrating the Social Studies Curriculum for Effective Citizenship and National Development.”
In his address, he recommended the effective utilisation of values education as a tool for recalibrating the Social Studies Education Curriculum to promote effective citizenship and national development at all levels of social group interactions.
He said, “The development of attitudes, values, and skills for effective citizenship and national development requires an integrated Values Education Curriculum Framework.
“Citizens who learn about emotional responses learn how to recognize feelings in themselves and others, and how to communicate those feelings.”
“It is expected that after acquiring the contents of the framework, citizens will have learned how to regulate their emotions in schools and communities for effective social interactions at all levels of society. Social and emotional learning also teaches and reinforces positive behaviours, such as self-control strategies and relationship skills within family and community settings.
“The framework should emphasise national core values, including national unity and integration, patriotism, nationalism, environmental discipline, science and technology for security and advancement, socio-economic issues and challenges, and constitutional provisions for awareness of fundamental human rights and duties. All of these are essential for the successful acquisition of values education for effective citizenship and national development,” Ndan added.
According to him, the values that guide environmental discipline are achieved through an understanding of socio-economic issues and challenges, which require the exhibition of relevant socio-economic values and skills for societal development and progress.
“Science and technology-related values call for responsible decision-making, which involves learning how to make constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions across diverse settings.”
Earlier, the vice chancellor of the university and chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, celebrated Ndan for his significant contributions to the institution.
She acknowledged Ndan’s contributions, noting that the lecture was especially meaningful as it marks a transition for the professor as he prepares for retirement.
In recognition of his impact on the academic community, Maikudi announced that the university will offer him a contract appointment after his retirement in November this year.
