Country: Nigeria

Organization: Union Bank of Nig. Plc,

Idea: Religion basically serves as a clutch to ethics and values in every society. It provides basically the essential qualities needed to facilitate peaceful co-existence within our societies. Majority of the renowned sects have respect for the rule of law. This makes it necessary to recommend that religious institutions should take up the administration of education at all level. The world is gradually reawakening into a new consciousness brought about by enlightenment and technological advancement. Many of the unethical displays we witness today are owing to the little involvement of religious institutions. Regionally, governments should be urged to empower religious institutions to take up the mandate of running our learning institutions.

How do you do it: The government needs to be convinced. A database will be established to collect activities of institutions that are not run by religious organizations. Their activities will be compared to those of religious institutions. Based on their shortcomings, efforts will be made to contact the ministry of education and the federal government to allow formal institutions to be taken over by renowned religious organizations in the best interest of the youths. The press will also be involved and student unions all over the federation will be contacted to facilitate the movement for a change in modus operandi. These institutions will have their usual learning guided by religious activities and ethical standards to establish an ethic-driven society.

Innovation: From time immemorial, the educational system has been managed by the joint effort of the government and private individuals. They have not done well to establish an ethic- driven society. The idea of ethic-conscious sects taking over is purely a novelty. The use of IT devices and software materials will help establish a large capacity database to enable the effective compilation of facts and figures that will help the press report effectively as well as provide statistics necessary for further inquiries and also provide the basis for the governmentýs decision taking. It is strongly believed that religious institutions will better handle education and in turn can guarantee an ethic-driven society.

Impact: Religion can provide the essential principles with regards to ethics, ideals and values. With religious sects handling education, youths will grow and learn in the light of respect for ethics and values. This is the desired impact that will initially occur regionally before it becomes national and international. Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, their conscious awareness and persistent plea to the government shows their interest in having a change. They are working together with the adults to effect a most needed transition in system. Everyone believes that this present system is ephemeral. They will remain dogged in their stand for a change. With these efforts, we will experience positivism and real idealism of an ethic-driven society.

Ethical Action: Recently, there was a debate on youth education and positive contribution to an ethical society. The most outstanding point in this debate was the need to enhance the participation of religious institutions in education. This I proved with the campaign staged by youths in my region for the government to allow the Catholic Church to establish a university. Compared to other tertiary institutions, this school in a few years produced the best graduates academically and morally. These products have contributed positively and effortlessly to the development of the society. This has made youths and adults realize the importance of religious sects and how they can help build an ethic-driven society in the future, thus more support for this notion.

Replication: The project is absolutely replicable. Efforts have commenced to develop interconnectedness with sister institutions, providing software prototypes for them to establish their own database. This is the most spectacular and impressive work needed to facilitate liaising. The press and media are working to influence a change in government policy, which is also amongst priorities. It is completely comprehensive and similar principles will be used in the future to provide cost-effective replicates. Any interested organization, movement or agencies can contact me for more details. There are no specifications on which religious sects should handle the educational sector. Whichever approach, they must have respect for the rule of law in the society.

Sustainability: The idea is to get the society to become ethics-conscious. With our efforts and those of other institutions, the government will take up the responsibility thereby making the project more feasible, attractive and recognized. Pending the governmentýs support financially and policy- wise, it will start having its intended effects on the society at large. It is a long-term project we intend to stitch into the societyýs fabric thus we will finance it mainly through community service and fund-raising campaigns. The effect will only be felt in the long run thus requires sustainability through several resources. We can guarantee that the program will be protracted for a few years, optimistic that the government will prolong the idea better.

Position in the Ethics Mosaic of Solutions:

Factor: Otherness

Principle: Building ability to care, uphold values, and make