Nigeria Urges Value System Overhaul, Says Fellowship Leader

The National Director of the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Rev. Rex Onuh, has stated that Nigeria's moral and social decli...

The National Director of the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Rev. Rex Onuh, has stated that Nigeria's moral and social decline will continue unless the country urgently reforms its values and focuses on building integrity and character in its young people.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday night, prior to the 2025 NIFES National Missions Conference, Onuh cautioned that corruption, instability, and fragile institutions are direct results of the nation's compromised ethical framework.

"If Nigeria is to genuinely progress, our national value system needs to be transformed. The rule of law should take precedence, and citizens must be safeguarded against instability and economic challenges," he stated.

The head of NIFES mentioned that the conference, taking place from November 19 to 23 at the Fellowship’s Conference Centre in Kwali, Abuja, will bring together more than 3,000 students from universities and other higher education institutions throughout Nigeria to discuss leadership, ethical duty, and the empowerment of young people.

Centered around the theme "Ripe for Harvest" (John 4:35), the conference seeks to equip students with the skills needed to become moral leaders capable of making a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

Onuh, who characterized NIFES as a native and multi-denominational Christian group with more than 24,000 active student members in 399 higher education institutions, mentioned that the organization has invested 57 years in cultivating principled leaders who have emerged as catalysts for change in education, leadership, commerce, and journalism.

"From the beginning, we have trained and prepared more than two million young individuals who are now making significant contributions to nation-building and global influence," he stated.

He expressed sorrow that years of corruption, unethical behavior, and intolerance had weakened the country's ethical foundation, cautioning that the ongoing disregard for moral instruction among youth will worsen Nigeria's challenges.

"The decline in our leadership and institutions mirrors the erosion of moral values and personal integrity within our society," he stated.

We will keep speaking openly and with divine guidance about immoral behavior, corruption, misuse of public money, cheating in exams, inappropriate clothing, prostitution, and ethnic and religious hatred.

Onuh emphasized that true national change cannot be realized solely through politics or economic strategies, but by restoring Nigeria's ethical foundation, starting with the younger generation.

"At NIFES, we believe the solution comes from the youth. By offering our training, guidance, and leadership events, we are intentionally promoting righteous leadership, integrity, and outstanding performance to positively influence the future of our nation," he stated.

Despite recognizing the challenging economic and security conditions in the nation, Onuh emphasized that Nigeria still holds great promise.

"we witness this potential directly in our students — intelligent, imaginative, and full of hope. however, this potential needs to be developed through leadership that is guided by strong values," he mentioned.

He urged increased cooperation among the government, business community, and religious groups to restore the country's moral base, particularly within the education field.

"The education system, which shapes our upcoming leaders, needs focused and intentional focus from both government and private sector participants," he said.

Onuh called on sincere Nigerians and collaborators to back NIFES in its goal of cultivating devout leaders for the country's renewal.

"We call on you to collaborate with us through prayer, guidance, and assistance as we carry forward this honorable mission of nurturing future leaders within the university," he requested.

He ended with a positive outlook on Nigeria's future, stating that the upcoming Missions Conference will provide another opportunity to support students who will go back to their campuses and jobs as agents of change.

This country belongs to us, and as a team, we must create its future," he stated. "At NIFES, our dedication lies in shaping the leaders of tomorrow right now.

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