In a bid to promote responsible media consumption and safeguard young minds, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched Media Literacy Clubs in secondary schools across Osun State. The initiative, tagged “Making Safer Choices and Safeguarding Young Minds,” aims to educate students on media literacy, encourage critical thinking, and foster the consumption of age-appropriate content.
The pilot phase of the programme has been rolled out in four selected secondary schools, engaging 30 student ambassadors and three coordinating teachers. These clubs, structured as extracurricular activities, are designed to guide students in developing healthy media habits, both online and offline.
Speaking during the launch, Paul Aliwon, Deputy Director of the NFVCB at the Osun Centre, highlighted the core objectives of the clubs. He noted that students would be educated on the Board’s film classification guidelines and consumer advisories, while also serving as youth ambassadors to promote safe content consumption within their schools and communities.
“The Media Literacy Clubs will also introduce students to the film value chain and help them understand classification elements, helping them make informed choices,” Aliwon said.
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In a message delivered at the flag-off ceremony, Executive Director and Chief Executive of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, emphasised the Board’s commitment to mentoring young people through the initiative. He revealed that the programme would include mentorship opportunities with top actors in the film industry, as well as inter-school interactions and competitions to further engage students.
Dr Husseini added that the NFVCB plans to provide continuous support to participating students via a dedicated WhatsApp line, ensuring ongoing guidance and advocacy for media safety and youth development.
“This programme is a proactive step towards equipping the next generation with the tools to navigate today’s complex media landscape. It also prepares students to be ambassadors of safe and responsible media practices,” he said.
The NFVCB’s launch of Media Literacy Clubs underscores its broader mission to protect young audiences and foster a culture of mindful media engagement across Nigeria.
