New controversial curriculum on CRK and IRK violates Nigeria's constitution – House of Reps reacts

The House of Representatives on Tuesday reacted to the controversial introduction of National Values/Civic Education in school curriculum, which requires children to be taught Islamic Religious Knowledge and Christian Religious Knowledge as compulsory subjects, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

In the previous order, IRK and CRK were taught as independent subjects, leaving Christian students with the choice of taking CRK and Muslims, the IRK.

But a new policy of the Federal Ministry of Education billed to take full effect in September, has replaced the old order with a new curriculum, combining the two subjects and making civic education or national values compulsory.

On Tuesday, however, lawmakers opposed the policy on the grounds that it would not only confuse children, but also deny them and their parents the right to a religion of their choice.

Members said much as civic education or national values could be taught in schools, they should be clearly separated from religion.

The House, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yusuff Lasun, took the decision after exhaustively debating a motion moved by a member from Plateau State, Beni Lar.

Many members, including the Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, House Committee on Federal Judiciary, Mr. Aminu Shagari; Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma; Mr. Ben Nwankwo; and Mr. Orker Jev, also quoted sections 38 and 10 of the constitution to buttress their opposition to the new policy.

Source: ThePunch