‘Why govt should promote religious teaching in schools’

The Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) has called on the government to continue promoting proper teaching of religion in schools to ensure moral discipline and patriotism among citizens.

The call, the teachers said, became necessary due to the disturbing trend of clamouring for secession and restructuring of the country, which poses serious threat not only to the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria but also to the sanctity of life, wealth and dignity of humankind. The group made the call in communiqué jointly signed by its National President, Prof Sani Umar Musa and National Secretary Dr Abubakar Kawu Hassan.

NATAIS, according to the communiqué, expressed concern over the misconception of some interest groups on the status of Arabic Language in the Nigerian Education Curriculum.

It therefore urged the government to disabuse the minds of the public concerning the status of Arabic Language which, it said, is different from Islamic Religious Studies in the Nigerian curriculum.

The group said the separation of Islamic Religious Studies (IRK) and Christian Religious Studies (CRK) from ‘Religion and National Values’ in the Nigerian curriculum is a welcome development.

It said noted that the separation would foster correct understanding and teaching of the two religions.

The teachers also urged the government to safeguard University of Maiduguri and other educational institutions and curb the menace of kidnapping and other crimes in the country.