CAN, NSCEA Reject Religion Aspect In The New Curriculum

The newly introduced curriculum that merged Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) into a single subject called ‘Religion and National Values’ has been rejected.

This rejection was made known in an open letter written on September 1st, 2025 to President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to express their strong opposition in the aspect of new curriculum.

The copy of the letter was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary, Elders’ Council of NSCEA and Educational Consultant to CAN.

In the letter, the Christian groups urged Mr. President to use his authority to ensure that the concerns of Christians are addressed, requesting that he suspends the implementation of the new curriculum until all stakeholders have been consulted.

Also, appealing to Mr President to direct the Federal Ministry of Education to review the curriculum and ensure that it respects the diversity of Nigerian society and preserves the integrity of religious education.

The letter stated: “We, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), write to express our strong opposition in the aspect of the newly introduced curriculum that merges Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) into a single subject called “Religion and National Values.”

“This development has sparked widespread concern among Christians and stakeholders, and we urge you to take immediate action.

“Our concerns over the new curriculum is that the new curriculum’s approach on religion undermines the unique principles and values of each faith, potentially diluting the distinctiveness of Christianity and Islam.

“This move contradicts the agreement reached in 2017, where the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, instructed the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to separate Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) in the basic education curriculum.

Furthermore, they demanded that Christian Religious Studies be reinstated as a separate subject at all levels of education, including basic, senior secondary, and technical education.

“The new curriculum be reviewed to ensure that it respects the diversity of Nigerian society and preserves the integrity of religious education.

“Stakeholders be consulted in the development of the new curriculum to ensure that the concerns of all parties are taken into account,” they affirmed.

While reacting on its impact on students, the statement said: “The new curriculum will have a negative impact on students, particularly in the area of religious education. The merger of CRS and IRS will lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation of the specific principles and values of each faith.

“We urge you, Mr. President to use your authority to ensure that the concerns of Christians are addressed. We request that you suspend the implementation of the new curriculum until all stakeholders have been consulted.

“Also, to direct the Federal Ministry of Education to review the curriculum and ensure that it respects the diversity of Nigerian society and preserves the integrity of religious education.

“In conclusion, we believe that the new curriculum requires further review and consultation with stakeholders. We urge you to take immediate action to address our concerns and ensure that the integrity of religious education is preserved. Thank you for your attention to this matter your excellency sir.”