From John Adams, Minna
Former Nigerian Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has urged federal and state governments to reintroduce religious knowledge into public primary and secondary schools across the country.
He emphasised that moral upbringing is key to eradicating societal ills, stating that “it is the only way we can change society for the better.”
General Babangida made this call on Wednesday while hosting the leadership of the Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at his residence in Minna. The delegation, led by the state Chairman, Most Rev. Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, was on a familiarisation visit.
“There is a need for Nigeria to return to the teachings of religious knowledge in our schools,” Babangida stated.
This call for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in Niger State public schools aligns with the position of various stakeholders, who have reportedly submitted proposals to the state government.
Commending the state CAN for its efforts in instilling morals in young people, the elder statesman pledged to champion the cause for a better society.
“I can see that you are making a lot of effort in trying to bring back morals and religious knowledge into our society,” he said.
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“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 teaching of religious knowledge.”
General Babangida recalled his secondary school days in the 1950s and 1960s, when Christians and Muslims prayed and interacted harmoniously. He noted that “religious knowledge was one factor that shaped society in my growing days, but somehow, as a nation, we lost our way.”
Reassuringly, he added, “I think we can still get it right. I am very confident that, with people like you (CAN) and your efforts, we can get things back to normal.”
Pledging his support, General Babangida expressed confidence that the current administration would be receptive to initiatives that promote peace and good morals.
“I believe this government will be very interested in issues that can bring peace and good morals,” he said. “You are doing it for society, and society automatically benefits. When society benefits, then we have a better society.”
“I am prepared and will be ready at any time to support any good cause you have. I will be ready to speak to the President (Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and the State Governor (Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago). I can assure you that something will be done at both the national and state levels.”
Earlier, the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, explained that the CAN leadership aimed to introduce themselves formally to the former military president, seek his counsel, and draw from his vast experience.
Most Rev. Dr Yohanna, also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described General Babangida as a staunch believer in Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.
“Your Excellency, sir, we see you as a father who gives great counsel to everyone who comes to you for a better Nigeria, where everyone can live in love and cohabit peacefully,” he said.
“However, one major worry we have as a body is the future of our children. We are doing all we can to curtail any form of restiveness and to ensure we inculcate good morals in our youth for a better society.”
“As such, one of the best strategies we believe in is to catch them young, especially in basic schools. We strongly appeal to you to join us in calling for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) into the curriculum of all public primary and secondary schools across the state and the country.”
“We believe that through these teachings, we can instil good morals in our children, tackle insecurity, and put an end to youth restiveness.”
Bishop Yohanna also disclosed that the state CAN has been proactive in its efforts, including submitting proposals to the government, and hopes for positive action.
He assured the elder statesman that Christians throughout the state are steadfast in their prayers for leaders – past and present, at both state and national levels.
“We also pray for our unity and peaceful coexistence, especially between both faiths,” he added.
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