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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has called for a narrative shift to correct misconceptions surrounding Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in schools in northern Nigeria.
Rev. Hayab lamented that CRS has for too long been narrowly portrayed as a pathway for pastors and church workers, a stereotype that has diminished its place in Nigeria’s education system.
The CAN chairman made the observation on Tuesday, September 2, at a one-day symposium organised by the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, Kaduna State University (KASU).
Speaking on the symposium theme, “Revitalising the study of Christian Religion in digital generation,” Hayab said such wrong perceptions are discouraging young people from studying the subject.
He urged the government to encourage the study of CRS in schools and called for the recruitment of more CRS teachers across northern Nigeria.
He stressed that the subject should be seen as a discipline with wide applications in peace, psychology, governance, and human relations, and not restricted to God, prayer, or ministry.
“Christian Religious Studies is not just about church. It is about humanity, morality, and peaceful living. What sociology does, CRS also does. A graduate of CRS can go on to study peace and conflict resolution or other fields. The challenge is that we have failed to present it properly. We must shift the narrative.
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“Religion goes beyond prayers. A doctor, a banker, or a manager with knowledge of religion will live and work more responsibly. That is why no serious government can ignore religion in schools,” he said.
Hayab commended recent efforts by some northern governors to reintroduce CRS in public schools, describing such policies as a recognition that moral upbringing is central to addressing the rising social decay in society.
He further challenged churches, teachers, and stakeholders to repackage CRS in ways that inspire interest among young people, instead of allowing stereotypes to discourage them.
“If parents truly love their children, they should encourage them to study CRS. Not everyone wants to be a pastor, but everyone needs values. We must reframe CRS as a tool for building disciplined and peace-loving citizens.
“I urge development partners to support CRS education, because religion has historically been the foundation of health, education, and social development in many societies.
“Religion is the engine room of development. It is not just about God and church. We must deliberately shift the narrative and promote CRS as a course that builds peace, shapes character, and strengthens nation-building,” he added.
