In 2017, Nigerians witnessed a controversial move by the Federal Ministry of Education to merge Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) into a single subject titled “Religion and National Values.” However, this policy sparked resistance from parents, churches, and civil society groups, ultimately forcing the government to reverse the decision. Indeed, it was a vivid reminder that vigilance is the price of faith and freedom.
Fast forward to 2025: the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has issued another warning. The same attempt to dilute Christian Religious Studies is resurfacing under the “Religion and National Values” banner. Clearly, this is not innovation but a recycled agenda. Oil and water cannot mix, yet some continue to force them into a single container.
The Political Agenda Behind the Curriculum
The issue extends beyond pedagogy; it is ideological. Specifically, it concerns who shapes the values of Nigerian children and who controls their worldview. Education is never neutral. Moreover, merging CRS and IRS weaponizes the curriculum as an instrument of religious influence, with potentially long-term societal consequences.
What is particularly troubling is the precedent set in 2023. When Christians accommodated the Muslim/Muslim ticket at the national level, they inadvertently opened a door that allowed this creeping ideological influence to filter down into schools. In other words, what was political compromise then has become subtle subversion today. Consequently, silence in 2023 has evolved into systemic marginalization in 2025.
From Ballot to Blackboard: The Road to Golgotha
As a result, what began at the ballot box now moves toward the blackboard. The political decisions of 2023 are manifesting in education policies that risk a generational crucifixion. Therefore, by 2027, without decisive action, Nigerians could witness the consequences of political and spiritual compromises, willingly bearing the cross of inaction.
Furthermore, education is safer under secular administration than under a curriculum skewed to privilege one religion over another. State power should never be used to promote religious imbalance. Otherwise, oppression tolerated today seeds tyranny tomorrow.
A Call to Resistance and Rebalance
The NSCEA’s demand for review is timely. CRS must be distinct, IRS must be distinct, and no child should be forced to navigate a contradictory curriculum. Hence, parents, teachers, churches, and civil society must unite in defense of religious integrity in education.
Importantly, resistance must extend beyond schools and into the political arena. Nigerians must reject tickets that erase religious balance. A Muslim/Christian or Christian/Muslim presidency is not merely a political choice; rather, it is a safeguard for Nigeria’s pluralistic soul.
Ultimately, the cross borne in 2023 does not have to culminate in the grave of 2027. Revival is possible, but only if the Church awakens, citizens mobilize, and truth prevails.
About the Author:
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and nation-builder, President of Voice of His Word Ministries, and Convener of the Apostolic Round Table. He is also the Chairman of Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC Naija) and CEO of Masterbuilder Communications.
Email: [email protected]
X: Bolaji O Akinyemi
Instagram: bolajioakinyemi
Phone: +2348033041236
