By Priscilla Osaje
A cultural expert, Mr Ahmed Sule, has called for the integration of cultural values into school curricula.
Sule made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
The expert said that making the study of Nigerian history and heritage compulsory from the early stages of education would help instill patriotism and preserve the country’s diverse traditions.
“There is need for reforms in Nigeria’s education system by incorporating cultural values into school curricula.”
He emphasised the importance of strengthening ethical education so that students could carry their communities’ core values into higher education and adulthood.
“More importantly, there is need for the creation of structured mentorship programmes, where accomplished professionals and respected elders guide young Nigerians.
“Such direct interactions are essential for transmitting values such as respect, integrity, and cultural identity,” he said.
Rather than viewing technology as a threat to tradition, the expert advised that it should be embraced as a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge.
“Digital platforms can make cultural education more accessible and engaging for younger generations,” he noted.
Sule also advocated for a functional framework that combines traditional values with modern technology to bridge Nigeria’s generational gap and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
He emphasised the need for a two-way communication approach, in which older generations share wisdom and life experiences, while younger generations contribute modern knowledge and digital innovation.
According to him, the process should begin at the family level, where parents and grandparents intentionally pass down cultural values through storytelling, proverbs and family histories.
The expert noted that such practices would help children understand their roots and strengthen their sense of identity.
He also recommended that communities should establish platforms where elders and young people could interact regularly.
“These platforms that bring together traditional elder groups and youth councils will create opportunities to share ancestral histories, traditions, and moral values.
“In addition, senior citizens are encouraged to serve as mentors to students and young people, promoting intergenerational learning, leadership development, and life coaching,” he said.
The expert further suggested involving youths in the planning and organisation of traditional festivals and cultural activities to demonstrate that culture remains a living and relevant part of society rather than a relic of the past.(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab