Minister Calls for Inclusion of Community Service in Schools Curriculum

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, has called for the inclusion of community service in the secondary and tertiary curriculum of schools in the country to promote charitable and volunteer work.

This was disclosed by his Special Assistant, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, at the 5th graduation, 6th matriculation and 9th anniversary ceremonies of the Centre for Edo Delta Development Initiative.

Agba through his representative, said the activities of the centre and other similar initiatives were needed to accelerate the plan of the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

“There is the need for more collaboration between the government and all NGOs operating in Nigeria so as to organise our people, create awareness in them and make them problem solvers.

“Due to the complementary roles community service and volunteerism play in national development, it should be made compulsory for our students to complete a certain number of hours in community service before graduation from secondary school or at the tertiary level.

“These activities must be an integral part of our culture and should be included in the educational curriculums at all levels of education in Nigeria,” Agba expressed.