By By: Oputa C‘fine Chukwuma (Ph.D)
Njoku, Augusta Ubakum
Abstract
The study discussed the importance of curricula and pedagogical strategies for achieving values reorientation in primary schools in Nigeria. In recent years, there has been much decadence in values in Nigeria in all its sectors. The attitude of most Nigerians towards values is very poor; as displayed by the high level of corruption, excessive materialism, election malpractice, cultism, examination malpractice, kidnapping, banditry, lawlessness, tribalism, religious intolerance and gender – based violence among others. These vices are due to miseducation, poor governance, greed, high rate of unemployment, etc. Consequently, problems emanating from decadence in values in the society abound such as poor quality grades from educational institutions, unwanted pregnancies and abortions, inter and intra communal unrests, many killings, severe poverty, poor representation in government, decay in public infrastructure etc. The curricula and pedagogical strategies were presented in three forms namely proper use of communication between teachers and pupils in classrooms, identifying four values that could be included in the primary school curriculum as well as identifying the subjects that could be used in inculcating these values in the pupils. It was thus recommended among others that there should be effective and consistent communication between the teachers and pupils until values are inculcated in them; that teachers should continually remember their role as models to learners which should be displayed in their conduct, attitude and teaching and that pupils should be taught the essence of values such as justice, respect for persons, unity and moral reasoning, in order to build a strong society.
