“We’re grateful”: Catholic Bishop in Nigeria Welcomes Reinstatement of Christian Religious Knowledge in Public Schools

Determined to reverse the trend, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) formed a committee to study the situation and draft a proposal for the government. 

“When I was elected chairman of CAN, Niger State chapter, we realized CRK had been neglected for years. We were unsure whether it was a deliberate policy or not, but the reality was that Christian students lacked access to formal religious education,” Bishop Bulus explained.

He continued, “We decided that something needed to be done. We asked ourselves, how do we approach the government and ensure CRK is reintroduced? The committee examined the situation and submitted a proposal to the governor.”

“With the rise in insecurity and youth-related crimes, we realized that proper moral upbringing was crucial. Religious instruction plays a key role in shaping young minds, and its absence only worsens societal problems,” Bishop Bulus added.

The 52-year-old Nigerian Catholic Bishop further recalled how the proposal finally reached the Governor. 

“I was unable to attend the Governor’s 51st birthday celebration due to official duties, but I sent a letter and the proposal. The representative who read my letter reported that the Governor acknowledged the issue and confirmed plans to reinstate CRK in public schools,” he recounted.

In the March 12 interview, the Local Ordinary of Kontagora said that with CRK reinstated, the focus has shifted to recruiting teachers. 

“One of our biggest challenges now is the shortage of CRK teachers. Many students abandoned the subject because there were no employment opportunities. Now, we must encourage people to study CRK again,” Bishop Bulus explained.

To address this, the Diocese plans to recruit Catechists and encourage young people to enrol in CRK department at the Federal College of Education (FCE). 

“We are also considering sponsorship for students willing to study CRK. Without teachers, even if the government is ready to employ them, nothing can happen,” the Catholic Bishop said.

Bishop Bulus reaffirmed his commitment to working with the government to ensure CRK is successfully reintroduced and sustained in schools. 

“We will continue to engage with authorities and ensure this policy does not remain on paper but is implemented effectively,” he said.

He urged Christians to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that religious education is essential for moral development and societal growth. 

“Our work is not done yet. We must raise teachers, encourage students, and support this initiative so it can truly impact the next generation,” Bishop Bulus said.

Reflecting on the theme of the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, he said, “Hope means believing that no matter how tough things get, a better future is possible. Celebrating this Year of Hope reminds us that good will always triumph over evil.”

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“The Christian community must remain hopeful. Challenges will come, but our faith teaches us to persevere,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa on March 12.