CAN Appeals for Reintroduction of CRK in Niger Schools
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has urged the state government to reintroduce Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) into the curriculum of public schools.
Rev. Yohanna made this appeal during his Christmas message at the Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Legbo Kutigi Hall, Minna.
In his address, the Bishop linked the increasing insecurity and moral decline among youths to the absence of religious and moral education in schools. He stated, “Many crimes today are perpetrated by young people who may not have had the opportunity to be taught religious values or morals.”
He emphasised that reinstating CRK in schools, coupled with the recruitment of qualified Christian teachers, could foster discipline, love, and responsibility among students. Teaching religious values, he said, is a long-term strategy for addressing societal challenges.
“If we teach one group and leave the other, we create an imbalance that may lead to future problems. It is imperative for Christian children to also learn morals that align with their faith,” he noted.
The Bishop commended Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration for its inclusiveness and fairness while urging the governor to prioritise recruiting qualified CRK teachers to aid the moral and spiritual development of Christian students. He also praised initiatives in the education sector, such as the appointment of permanent secretaries and the distribution of Christmas gifts.
Yohanna highlighted the critical role of moral education in nation-building, stating, “Moral education will groom young people to become better citizens and strengthen the fabric of our society.”
He called on Christians to lead exemplary lives rooted in love, mercy, and compassion, urging them to uphold the commandment of love as taught by Jesus Christ. He stressed that unity and peace in the state could only be achieved through love.
The Bishop expressed optimism that the government would prioritise the reintroduction of CRK and invest in the moral development of future generations. “Let us reflect on how we can make positive changes and build a society rooted in understanding and harmony,” he said.
Governor Bago, represented by Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Afiniki Dauda, addressed the gathering, explaining his decision not to authorise the Christian Pilgrimage this year due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“I appeal to the Christian faithful in the state to exercise patience over this year’s pilgrimage to Israel over the lack of peace in the Holy Land. Allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalent to signing their death warrants,” Bago said.
He reassured the Christian community of his commitment to their welfare, stating that his administration prioritises peace and unity in the state and remains open to dialogue with all groups.
The 2024 Carol of Nine Lessons, themed “A New Command I Give You: Love One Another As I Have Loved You” (John 13:34), witnessed an unprecedented turnout, filling the Justice Legbo Kutigi Conference Hall to capacity. Unlike previous years when attendance was limited to fewer than 300 people in church venues, this year’s event drew over 3,000 participants, including government officials, church leaders, and members of the Christian community across Niger State.
Attendees received personally signed Christmas cards from the Governor, who expressed his appreciation for their support, noting that they are an integral part of his administration’s success.
