Former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has stated that reintroducing the teaching of Christian and Islamic religious knowledge in schools will help address some of the country’s social problems.
Babangida pledged to speak with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to help facilitate the reintroduction of the subjects in the country’s schools.
Babangida made the statement yesterday at his Minna Uphill mansion while receiving the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and other state officials of the association.
“This is the only way we can change our society, by teaching Christian Religious Knowledge, Islamic Religious Knowledge and other moral subjects in our public schools
“It may not be easy, but I know it is what this country needs at the moment. We need to go back to what it used to be especially in the teachings of religious knowledge,” Babangida asserted
However, the former military chief praised CAN for its work to instill moral values in the lives of young people, stating, “I will be ready to champion the cause for a better society.”
While reflecting on his time in secondary school when Christians and Muslims prayed and played together in love and unity, Babangida stated that, “religious knowledge was one factor that sharpened the society in my growing days but somehow as a nation, we missed it somewhere.
“I think we can still get it right. I am very confident that, with people like you (CAN Chairman), and your efforts, we can get things back to normal.”
Yohanna informed the former Nigerian leader that he and other officials were visiting his residence to introduce themselves, seek advise, and benefit from his wealth of experience.
He described Babangida as “one who believes in the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, religion or political differences.”