CAN Alleges Marginalisation In Scholarship, Pilgrimage Policies In Katsina

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Katsina State chapter, has decried alleged religious marginalisation in the state’s Medicine and Nursing Scholarship Scheme and the government’s pilgrimage sponsorship policy.

In an open letter signed by Dr D.D. Musa on behalf of the chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Shuaibu Liti, CAN expressed concerns over what it described as discriminatory policies affecting Christian indigenes of the state.

According to the letter addressed to Dikko Umaru Radda and made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday, the association questioned the eligibility criteria for the recently announced state-sponsored medicine and nursing scholarship, which it said requires applicants to be Muslims who have recited the Holy Qur’an in addition to possessing the required O’Level qualifications.

CAN argued that while it supports government investment in healthcare education, restricting the scholarship to Muslim applicants excludes qualified Christian students and may violate Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.

The association stated that many christian students with excellent academic qualifications and aspirations to pursue careers in medicine and nursing have been denied equal access to an opportunity funded by public resources.

CAN also raised concerns over the reported discontinuation of government sponsorship for Christian pilgrims while sponsorship for Muslim pilgrims allegedly continues.

It said the policy has heightened feelings of exclusion among Christians, noting that pilgrimage sponsorship has historically been extended to adherents of both major faiths in many states as a symbol of inclusiveness and equal treatment.

The association appealed to Governor Radda to review the scholarship guidelines by making the programme open to all qualified Katsina indigenes regardless of religious affiliation, with selection based on merit, academic performance and financial need.

It further urged the state government to adopt a fair pilgrimage sponsorship policy by either restoring sponsorship for christian pilgrims alongside muslim pilgrims or providing alternative benefits of equal value to both religious communities.

CAN maintained that Katsina has a long tradition of peaceful coexistence and argued that addressing the concerns would promote unity, strengthen public confidence and enable the government to focus on key development priorities, including security, education and healthcare.

Describing the letter as a contribution to constructive dialogue, the association said it remains available for further engagement with the state government.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina state government had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition. Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Bala Salisu Zango, and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula, were unsuccessful.