The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on November 26, 2024, unveiled the National Value Charter at Federal University Otuoke (FUO) during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias. The NOA Bayelsa State delegation was led by its State Director, Dr. Edward Banigo.

The National Value Charter, recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeks to instill the right attitudes in Nigerians to foster meaningful development. Dr. Banigo explained that the aim of the visit  was to introduce the Charter to FUO’s leadership as a precursor to engaging students, who are seen as the nation’s future leaders.

Dr. Banigo highlighted the Charter’s dual focus, encapsulated in the Nigerian Promise and the Citizens Code. The Nigerian Promise outlines government responsibilities, while the Citizens Code emphasizes citizens’ statutory duties. He noted that the interplay between these two pillars is crucial for fostering accountability between citizens and leaders.

A key feature of the Charter is the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as an alternative to the existing National Pledge, symbolizing a prayerful commitment to national values. Dr. Banigo also addressed common misconceptions surrounding national symbols, emphasizing proper protocols for the National Flag and the placement of Presidential photographs in public offices.

Professor Adias, while welcoming the NOA delegation, affirmed FUO’s commitment to value orientation, noting that an upcoming student orientation program would provide a platform for NOA to sensitize students on national values. “This task is for all Nigerians. Upholding our national values requires collaborative efforts, and we’re open to working with NOA to achieve this,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also urged NOA to extend its focus to academic staff, particularly in addressing the challenges of compromised examinations and the proliferation of so-called “miracle centers.” He lamented the disconnect between excellent West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results and poor Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) performances, calling for intensified efforts to curb malpractice in the education sector.

The NOA delegation assured FUO of its readiness to work closely with the University to ensure the National Value Charter’s objectives are achieved, starting with the sensitization of the management followed by the student body.

The delegation from the National Orientation Agency, Bayelsa State Branch, included; Olobio Grace Ebiakpo (Deputy Director), Boufini Rowland Bruce (Deputy Director),  Ndidi Mumiya Francis (Deputy Director), Anyaegbu Ifeoma (Chief Programme Officer), and Nwuche Best. N. (Programmes Officer).

 

 

From Publications Unit