NSCIA Commends Governor Radda for Reintroducing Christian Religious Studies

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has applauded the decision of Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, to reintroduce the teaching of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in both primary and secondary schools across the state.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Council described the move as a reflection of justice, fairness, and inclusivity, which mirror the eternal precepts of Islam.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) commends the acts of justice, fairness and inclusivity—all of which mirror the eternal precepts of Islam—exhibited by His Excellency, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, through the reintroduction of Christian Religious Studies in primary and secondary schools across the state. This development is worthy of commendation, especially as it conforms, once again, to the Islamic principles of equity, fairness, and justice.”

The Council noted that Islam has always condemned the persecution of minorities. It recalled how Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the early days of Islam emphasized freedom of belief and worship for all, ensuring that minorities were not only protected but also safeguarded from oppression.

While strongly supporting the teaching of CRS in Muslim-dominated states, the NSCIA urged for balance in Christian-majority regions. It therefore appealed to governors in the South East, South South, and some South Western states, where Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) is reportedly prohibited, to emulate Governor Radda’s gesture.

The Council particularly highlighted the case of Rivers State University, where Muslim students and staff were allegedly denied the right to observe their five daily prayers on campus. Legal actions taken by the students led to a favorable ruling at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 2017. However, the Rivers State Government appealed the case to the Supreme Court in 2018, where it remains pending.

Describing such actions as unjust and discriminatory, the NSCIA emphasized that Nigeria’s progress and stability depend on leaders who uphold fairness and pluralism in governance.

The statement concludes, “There is no gainsaying the fact that the progress, development and advancement of the Nigerian nation are, and shall continue to be ineluctably linked to the preparedness of the political class to eschew injustice, partisanship and arrant abhorrence for pluralism in state governance. These found ample demonstration in Governor Radda’s recent executive order, if as such it may be described. The NSCIA is of the strong opinion that this is the path that all stakeholders in our nation should tread as a categorical imperative.”

The Council therefore reaffirmed its call for equity and urged all state governments to embrace policies that promote inclusivity and religious tolerance.