Characteristics of National Values – Basic 4 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

What are Characteristics?

Characteristics are special features that make something what it is. Just like you have features that make you unique!

Main Characteristics of National Values

1. UNIVERSAL 🌍

Meaning: For everyone in Nigeria

• Not for one tribe only
• Not for rich only
• For young and old
• For boys and girls

Example: Honesty is for ALL Nigerians

2. POSITIVE ✅

Meaning: They are good, not bad

• Build up, not destroy
• Help, not harm
• Unite, not divide
• Improve lives

Example: Hard work brings success

3. TEACHABLE 📚

Meaning: Can be learned

• Parents teach children
• Teachers teach students
• We learn by example
• Not born with them

Example: Children learn respect at home

4. VOLUNTARY 🤲

Meaning: We choose to practice them

• Not forced
• Done willingly
• From the heart
• Personal choice

Example: You choose to be honest

5. PERMANENT ⏰

Meaning: They don’t change

• Same yesterday, today, tomorrow
• Don’t go out of fashion
• Always important
• Timeless

Example: Respect was important then, still important now

6. BENEFICIAL 🎁

Meaning: They bring good results

• Help individuals
• Help communities
• Help the nation
• Everyone gains

Example: Unity brings peace

7. ACCEPTABLE 👍

Meaning: Everyone agrees they’re good

• Parents approve
• Teachers support
• Leaders encourage
• Society accepts

Example: Everyone agrees stealing is bad

8. PRACTICABLE 💪

Meaning: Can be done daily

• Not too hard
• Possible for all
• Real life actions
• Easy to practice

Example: You can show respect every day

Quick Summary

National values are:

• Universal – For all
• Positive – Good things
• Teachable – Can learn
• Voluntary – We choose

Remember!

National values are like good seeds – anyone can plant them, they grow everywhere, and they always produce good fruits!

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. National values are _______ – for everyone.
2. Values are _______ because they are good.
3. We can _______ values from parents.
4. Values are _______ – we choose to practice them.
5. Values don’t change, they are _______.

B. True or False:

1. Values are only for adults. _______
2. Values can be taught. _______
3. We are forced to have values. _______
4. Values change every year. _______
5. Values help everyone. _______

C. Match characteristic to meaning:

D. Circle characteristics of values:

• For some people only
• Positive
• Teachable
• Harmful
• Permanent
• Forced
• Beneficial
• Change daily

E. Which characteristic? Write the answer:

1. Honesty helps everyone = _______
2. We learn values at school = _______
3. Values are for all Nigerians = _______
4. We choose to be kind = _______

F. Answer:

1. What makes values universal?
2. Why are values positive?
3. Can values be taught?

G. Complete:

National values are:

• Good for _______
• Can be _______
• Never _______