MORAL EDUCATION: IMPLICATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

The study measured students’ moral values: an implication for national security. The study was expost facto research design. A sample of 150 Junior Secondary School One (JSS 1) students (comprising 75 males and 75 females) was randomly selected by means of proportionate stratified random sampling technique from Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was a 4-point scale questionnaire, measuring the 3 major domains of morality and character, with specific moral values. The mean () and standard deviation (SD) analyses were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The findings revealed that, although students have the knowledge of moral knowledge and that of moral values, but lack the ability and skills to convert or translate moral judgment and feelings into concrete actions. Based on this finding, and for the purpose of safeguarding the nation’s future security and wealth (which is our youth), the study recommends that children and youths should be given opportunity to make sense of the concept of moral values; and all custodians of moral values should act the way we want them to act, rather than telling them how to act and what to believe.