Character Formation in Nigeria: Lessons from Virtue Ethics in Esan Ontology

The quest for character formation through the teaching of virtue ethics as embedded in Esan ontology implies a conviction that virtue is fast being eroding from the Nigerian society of today. The reason for this may not be unconnected with the advent of European colonialism, modernity and inadequate curriculum in our educational systems, with its value deficit. The implications of a morally failed society manifest in an unprecedented crimes and criminal activities warring against meaningful development and social cohesion. This paper proposes the view that the teaching of virtue ethics at the primary and secondary school levels is imperative for the regeneration of formidable virtues and excellent moral character in the youths. Our consideration is an extraction from Esan ontology which kept the traditional people together as one indivisible entity. The method of exposition and analysis will help us to achieve our aim in this study.