BY JULIET NONYE
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has called for a deliberate shift in the way Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is presented in schools, saying wrong perceptions are discouraging students from taking up the subject.
Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, made the call yesterday at a symposium organised by the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Kaduna State University. The event had the theme: “Revitalizing the study of Christian Religion in a digital generation”.
Hayab said CRS has for too long been portrayed narrowly as a subject meant only for those who want to become pastors or church workers, a stereotype he said has “demarketed” the discipline and diminished its place in Nigeria’s education system.
“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”.
The cleric, while urging government to recruit more CRS teachers across northern Nigeria, stressed that the subject should be seen as a tool that cuts across peace, psychology, governance and human relations.
“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”.
Hayab commended northern governors who have recently reintroduced CRS in public schools, describing the move as a recognition that moral upbringing is central to addressing rising social vices.
He challenged churches, parents and teachers to encourage young people to embrace the subject, noting that not everyone who studies CRS ends up in the pulpit.
“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”.
The CAN leader also called on development partners to support CRS education, arguing that religion has always played a central role in health, education and social development across 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”.
