The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has raised concern over inconsistencies in the nomenclature adopted by the National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) in the recently reviewed 2025 curriculum for Religious Studies.
While commending NERDC for its efforts in reforming the national curriculum, NSCEA noted the irregular use of abbreviations. The Council observed that the curriculum references Christian Religious Studies as “CRS,” but uses “IS” for Islamic Religious Studies instead of the widely recognized “IRS.”
The NSCEA emphasized that maintaining consistency in subject nomenclature is vital for clarity, alignment with educational standards, and the proper representation of Nigeria’s religious diversity. The Council therefore advocates the adoption of:
CRS – Christian Religious Studies
IRS – Islamic Religious Studies
This, according to NSCEA, will ensure uniformity across all NERDC documentation and curriculum materials. The Council cautioned against creating unnecessary confusion by introducing variations such as “IS” or new designations like “CS” (Christian Studies) and “IS” (Islamic Studies).
The statement further pointed out that the NERDC has established guidelines for subject nomenclature in other fields. For instance, Computer Studies is consistently designated as “CS,” while Information Technology or Computer Science are used in more advanced contexts. Similarly, “IS” is widely associated with Information Systems or Information Science in computer-related studies, making its use for Islamic Studies potentially misleading.
“The adoption of CRS and IRS across board will guarantee clarity, accuracy, and respect for both Christian and Islamic traditions within the Nigerian educational framework,” the NSCEA insisted.
The Council reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Christians in Nigeria while also ensuring fairness in the broader educational landscape. It pledged to continue monitoring the implementation of the curriculum reform and to engage constructively with the government and NERDC on this matter.
“We once again commend the federal government and the NERDC for their ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system and make it a source of national pride,” the statement concluded.
Signed:
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elder’s Council
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)
