Niger State Reintroduces CRS In Public Schools

Niger State government has concluded arrangements to re-introduce the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in public schools across the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who disclosed this, explained that the subject, which will be made compulsory for Christians in public schools, would help the children grow in their fear of God.

Governor Bago disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Christian community led by the Deputy Speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon Affiniki Dauda, at the Government House in Minna.

LEADERSHIP reported that the governor’s approval of the re-introduction of the subject follows agitations from various Christian groups regarding the need for religious knowledge as children grow through formative ages.

It was gathered that the subject was stopped in public schools about two decades ago, and various groups have made presentations to the government on the need to reintroduce it.

Consequently, the Governor, who finally granted the request over the years, observed that family values and morality had been replaced with social vice, resulting in moral decadence, thus the need to impart religious knowledge.

He maintained that the option left is to turn to God and His teachings to rebuild family values and instil the fear of God in the younger generations.

He said doing so would require deliberate and concerted efforts by the government, parents, religious leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.

The former Governor also used the forum to announce that the State government will be represented in this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Israel, as peace is progressively returning to the Holy Land.

In his remarks, the CAN Chairman, Niger State Chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, who Rev Fr. Emmanuel Williams, representing, said the leadership style of the  Governor has shown his commitment to fairness and inclusivity irrespective of religion or tribe.