National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched Media Literacy Clubs in secondary schools across Osun State to promote responsible media use among students.
In a statement by the director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, the initiative—titled “Making Safer Choices and Safeguarding Young Minds”—aims to educate young people on media literacy, develop their critical thinking skills, and guide them toward age-appropriate content.
At the official launch of the pilot scheme in Osogbo, Osun State, Paul Aliwon, deputy director of the NFVCB at the Osun Centre, explained that the Media Literacy Clubs will operate like other extracurricular school groups but with a focus on promoting responsible media use among students.
The pilot phase, endorsed by the Osun State Ministry of Education, has already begun in four selected secondary schools.
“We have secured approval to flag off the programme in both public and private schools and we are beginning with ten students per school and one coordinating teacher.” He identified the objectives of the Media Literacy Clubs to include “educating students on film classifications and consumer advisories by the NFVCB, serving as youth ambassadors for the Board in promoting safe content consumption, both online and offline, as well as introducing students to the film value chain and classification elements. “
The executive director cum chief executive of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini in flagging off the ceremony stated that apart from providing mentorship opportunities with top actors in the industry, the programme will facilitate interaction and competitions among club members from different schools.
“Preparing students for advocacy in media safety and youth development and
engaging them through a dedicated WhatsApp support line is also at the core of the NFVCB Media Literacy club” the CEO said adding that so far, the Media Literacy Club has been launched in three schools: Ataoja School of Science, Treasure Trove School, and Day Star School, with 30 student ambassadors and three coordinating teachers already active.
Whilst commending the Osun State Ministry of Education for their support towards the implementation of the schools club across the state, Dr. Shaibu remarked that the initiative represents a proactive effort by the NFVCB to empower the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s complex media
