CAN lauds Katsina Govt for approving recruitment of CRS teachers in public schools

By AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna –

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19-Northern states and FCT has applauded the Katsina State Government for approving the recruitment of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) teachers and introducing the subject in public schools across the state.

The Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Friday described the move as a bold step towards restoring moral values among young people.

Rev. Hayab, said the development, though a constitutional responsibility of every government, has become rare in the region due to what he described as the systematic neglect of Christian education.

The Katsina initiative, along with similar but less publicised actions recently taken by the governors of Niger and Borno States, according to the Chairman represents an important step towards ensuring that children from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds receive moral and religious instruction.

“We commend Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for showing leadership in this regard. Ordinarily, this should not be something we celebrate because it is the duty of every northern governor. Unfortunately, Christians have had to struggle for such recognition,” Hayab said.

He stressed that ensuring religious education for all faiths is not an act of charity but a right that promotes peace, mutual respect and the moral upbringing of children. Denying such opportunities, he warned, only fuels moral decline and increases the risk of social disorder.

“When children are not taught to fear God and live by moral values, they grow into a menace to the whole community and not just to one religious group. Refusing to allow the teaching of either CRS or Islamic Studies in any part of the North is a disservice to the future,” Hayab cautioned.

Northern CAN called on other northern governors, particularly those who have yet to make provisions for CRS in public schools, to follow the examples of Katsina, Niger and Borno States. It also urged Christian governors in the region to ensure that Islamic Studies teachers are provided for Muslim pupils in their states, noting that fairness in religious education fosters social harmony.