Merging Of CRK/IRK In School Curriculum Infringe on The Student’s Right To Choice-Gbajabiamila

The Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila on Sunday shed more light on why the house was opposed to the merging of Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Religious Studies in school curriculum.

Gbajabiamila (APC-Surulere I) told principals of public schools and parents in his constituency in Lagos that such a merger lacked basis in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said at a Town Hall meeting with the principals and parents that merging the two subjects infringed on the students’ right to choice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gbajabiamila also on the occasion distributed 500 free West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) forms to indigent students across the 23 schools in the area.

He said the Constitution guaranteed the right of all citizens to freedom of religion and choice, adding that merging the two religious subjects and making it compulsory for students was unfair.

According to him, religion is a very sensitive issue in the country which needs to be handled carefully at all times.

“The House of Representatives has taken a position against the merging of CRK/IRS because it is not supported by the constitution.

“The Constitution, as a matter of fact, guarantees the freedom of everyone to choose and practise the religion of one’s choice.