About Us
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) was established by Act 93 of 1993, as a joint initiative of the Nigerian Government and UNESCO during the World Decade for Cultural Development Programme (1988-1997), which emphasized the cultural dimension of development. Under this point arrangement, the Institute was established with the primary responsibility of promoting positive cultural values and harnessing culture for national development. The idea is also enunciated in the Cultural Policy for Nigeria (1988).
Vision
To be the Apex and leading Cultural Training Institute in Nigeria which will energize various cultural establishments and contribute to world progress and civilization through research and documentation of cultural assets and services, both tangible and intangible.
Mission
To train cultural development officers, motivators and communicators who would be grounded in Nigeria cultural practices, realities, philosophy and practices that are essential for national integration, peace, unity and development in a multi-ethnic nation.
To constantly spearhead the provision of innovational research aimed at making culture the vector for national integration and development.
Objectives
According to sub-section 3(1) (a) and (b) and 2 (a-g) of section 3 of the Act establishing NICO, the objectives and functions of the Institute are as follows:
- Serve as a focus for orientation in cultural matters for Nigeria’s policy makers and other government officials
- Develop cultural materials for promoting the cultural image of Nigeria nationally and internationally and use them for the realization of the nation’s Cultural Diplomacy objectives
- Train Cultural Development Officers who will integrate Nigeria’s culture into the educational system at all levels to facilitate the practical application of the Nigerian culture in everyday activity
- Promote and develop relevant curricula aimed at integrating Nigeria’s culture into the educational system at all levels
- Carry out public enlightenment campaigns of the various facets of Nigeria’s culture to effectively mobilize Nigerians towards a culture-oriented lifestyle; and
- Sponsor and undertake research into all aspects of Nigeria’s arts and culture.
Management:
NICO is headed by a Governing Board which consists of a Chairman appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representatives from the culture sector, the Executive Secretary, and other distinguished persons from different sectors of the economy. The tenure of the Board is fixed (usually four years), based on approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Board can be dissolved by the President upon recommendation. Where the Governing Board is not in place, the Honourable Minister incharge of the Ministry supervises.
The Chief Executive Officer:
NICO is headed by an Executive Secretary, who is responsible for the execution of the policies and programmes of the Institute and its day to day administration. Under the Office of the Executive Secretary are the Corporate Affairs, Audit and Legal Units.
Departments:
NICO is made up of five (5) departments, namely: a) Administration & Human Resources, b) Finance & Accounts, c) Orientation & Cultural Affairs, d) Research & Documentation; and e) Training School.
