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The “systematic phasing out” of Christian Religious Knowledge in Nigeria’s Public Schools a Cause for Concern: Bishop

By Abah Anthony John

Kontagora, 25 August, 2024 / 10:29 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has expressed concern about strategies to eliminate Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools across his Episcopal See.

In an August 24 interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Bulus faulted what he described as a “systematic phasing out” of CRK being realized in a decade-long stagnation in the recruitment of CRK teachers.

“It's been more than 10 years since any CRK teachers were recruited for public schools in this State,” Bishop Bulus told ACI Africa, referring to Nigeria’s Niger State.

He explained that despite CRK being a recognized subject in teacher training institutions, graduates are often not employed to teach it. Instead, they are directed to teach other subjects such as Social Studies or Integrated Science, even if they majored in CRK.

This trend, the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said, has resulted in a gradual disappearance of CRK from the school curriculum. As a result, religious and moral education are neglected in public schools, he lamented.

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The Local Ordinary of Kontagora Diocese, who doubles as chairman of the Commission for Migrants and Refugees of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) linked this phenomenon of downplaying religious and moral education to rising insecurity and youth restlessness in Nigeria.

“The lack of moral upbringing, especially in public schools, is contributing to the increasing crime rates among the youth,” he said.

Since his appointment as Bishop of Kontagora in April 2020, Bishop Bulus has prioritized advocating for the reinstatement of CRK in public schools. He has sought support from various sectors, including traditional and political leaders.

“Recently, I spoke with former Military President Ibrahim Badomasi Babangida, who fully supported the reintroduction of CRK, recalling a time when religious education was accessible and fostered harmony among Christians and Muslims,” the Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa during the August 24 interview.

Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, he said, adding that a committee formed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which he chairs in Niger State has developed a plan to recruit CRK teachers over the coming years.

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However, the State government has yet to respond formally to the proposal, he went on to say, and continued, “We presented our plan to the State government during the governor's one-year anniversary, but we are still waiting for a formal response.”

“We will continue to remind the government of our request and advocate for immediate action,” Bishop Bulus said.

Reflecting on insecurity in his Episcopal See, the Nigerian Catholic Church leader said there was some improvement. “The situation is calmer compared to the past, but incidents of banditry and kidnapping continue,” he said.

Bishop Bulus went on to share about the impact of insecurity on the people of God under his pastoral care, including the temporary closure of churches and the displacement of parishioners.

“Many of our parishioners have relocated due to banditry, and farming, the main occupation here, has been severely affected,” he said.

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Bishop Bulus urged the government to prioritize security to address the challenges. “If people cannot live safely or farm, we will continue to face food shortages and other social problems,” he warned.  

Bishop Bulus encouraged the people of God to remain hopeful and steadfast in their faith. “We should trust in God, even amidst our difficulties. This period will pass, and by God's grace, we will overcome,” he told ACI Africa during the August 24 interview.

Abah Anthony John

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.