Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has called on both federal and state governments to reintroduce religious knowledge in public primary and secondary schools. This initiative, according to IBB, aims to foster unity and love within the nation.
IBB made this appeal during a visit from the leadership of the Niger State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its state Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, at his hilltop mansion in Minna.
Highlighting the importance of religious education, IBB noted, “There is a need for Nigeria to go back to the teachings of religious knowledge in schools as the only way to change the society for the better.” He commended CAN for their efforts in promoting good morals among the youth and expressed his readiness to support this cause.
IBB emphasized the value of teaching Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK), Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK), and other moral subjects in public schools. “This is the only way we can change our society… We need to go back to what it used to be, especially in the teachings of religious knowledge,” he stated.
He assured his support, promising to advocate for this cause to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, to ensure action at both national and state levels.
The reintroduction of CRK in public schools has been a significant topic among various stakeholders in Niger State. IBB reflected on how religious knowledge during his upbringing in the 50s and 60s contributed to societal unity, with Christians and Muslims coexisting peacefully.
Earlier, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna explained that the visit was to introduce the CAN leadership and seek IBB’s counsel. He reiterated their efforts in submitting proposals to the government for the reintroduction of CRK in schools. Dr. Yohanna emphasized, “We strongly want to appeal to you to join us in the call for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge in the curriculum of all public primary and secondary schools across the state and the country.”
The meeting underscored the shared commitment to fostering a morally upright and united society through the reintroduction of religious education in schools.