The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Governmnent has been urged to make character building compulsory in the school curriculum at all levels.
Dr. Anthonymaria Odukaesieme, Founder, Character Building Sensitization Scheme (CBSS), Lagos, gave the charge to the President while speaking with journalists on the level of corruption that is eating deep into all fabrics of the nation on Tuesday in Lagos.
Odukaesieme noted that “Character Building, when structured as a learning discipline, can permanently restore the collapsed moral foundation of the nation, as well as tackle corruption.”
He added: “If developed into an academic subject and made compulsory at all levels of education — with assessment standards tied to classroom conduct, examination ethics, and promotion to higher levels — the results will be extraordinary.”
Lamenting that the nation’s challenges — corruption, insecurity, unemployment, disunity, and moral decline — are not purely political or economic in nature, but moral and spiritual, Dr. Odukaesieme said that the permanent cure is the rebuilding of character, the very foundation upon which societies thrive and civilizations endure.”
“Character building is the permanent solution to Nigeria’s national problems and a global model for human transformation,” he stressed.
Odukaesieme, who proposed that Character Building Education be adopted as a national compulsory subject in all schools and colleges in Nigeria, added that “Character Institutes should be established in every state to train teachers, leaders, and public officers in moral leadership and ethical governance.”
The environmental and human health scientist said that his Vision, the “Character Building Sensitization Scheme (CBSS),” is not merely a project — it is a movement of enlightenment designed to reform humanity through moral education and the culture of virtue.”
The author and inventor assured that in less than four years, by Divine grace and disciplined effort, “the Character Building Sensitization Scheme will be knocking at every door in the world for human transformation — from classrooms to Parliaments, from families to nations.
“This is not an ambition; it is a revelation — that the rebirth of humanity will begin from Nigeria, through character, wisdom, and oneness.”
The letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja, and the Minister, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, on Monday, titled: “Global Declaration On Character Building Impact — The Permanent Solution To Nigeria’s National Problems And A Global Model For Human Transformation,” read: “With profound respect and patriotic duty, I write to present this Global Declaration of Character Building Impact, a comprehensive moral, educational, and developmental philosophy designed to restore our national value system, heal societal decay, and reposition Nigeria as a moral leader among nations.
“My mission, under God, is not political but humanitarian — to reaffirm that Character Building is the permanent solution to corruption, moral failure, and the social crises that have long hindered our national progress.
“Your Excellency, under your visionary Renewed Hope Agenda, the time has come for Nigeria to finally adopt a holistic moral model that will not only reform institutions but reawaken the conscience of the nation. The foundation of sustainable development is not in infrastructure alone but in the character of the people who manage and benefit from them.
“Through the instrumentality of Character Building, every citizen — irrespective of tribe, religion, or social class — becomes a stakeholder in national renewal. “This philosophy is rooted in the universal law of truth, honesty, and oneness, which builds both moral strength and patriotic devotion.”
He also suggested that national and community sensitization programmes be launched through film, media, and literature under the theme: “Rebuilding the Nation Through Character.”
He added that “Nigeria, through this model, becomes a light to the nations — exporting moral innovation as we have once exported natural resources.”
“Your Excellency, this vision is above politics; it is Divine. It seeks to heal not only our nation but also our world. Nigeria has a spiritual destiny — to lead the world in human transformation through character and wisdom,” he told President Tinubu.
“When we rebuild character, we restore dignity: When we restore dignity, we rebuild the nation; when we rebuild the nation, we unite humanity.
“In character, the nation finds its soul; in oneness, the world finds peace; and with humility, patriotism, and unwavering faith in the future of Nigeria.”
He added: “I look forward to your favourable reply with policies and political will to drive these proposals forward, to get Nigeria working again.”
Part of the letter reads: “Permit me, Your Excellency, to humbly recall that this national mission began during the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, under the campaign “Rebranding Nigeria” led by the late Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili.
“In 2010, I made a formal submission to the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture titled: “Rebranding the Nation: Character Building as an Instrument for National Renewal,” supported by a sworn affidavit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, declaring that Character Building is the humanly acceptable solution to corruption, moral decay, and social illness in the nation.
“That initiative was freely distributed across several states and was intended to be transformed into a national film project — an English script animated in Nigerian languages — to educate, entertain, and morally reawaken our people.
“Today, under your Renewed Hope Agenda, the same philosophy returns with greater urgency and global relevance. The moral rebranding of Nigeria must be integrated into governance as a national character development program — in schools, ministries, and communities — through Character Building Sensitization Schemes, workshops, and nationwide moral campaigns.
“Government is a continuous project; the hope we renew today is built on the truth we declared yesterday.”