By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has called for a deliberate shift in the narrative surrounding Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in schools. It stressed that misconceptions about the subject are discouraging young people from studying it.
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, made the call at a one-day symposium organised by the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, Kaduna State University. Speaking on the theme, “Revitalizing the study of Christian Religion in the digital generation,” he lamented that CRS has long been narrowly portrayed as a pathway for pastors or church workers. According to him, this stereotype has de-marketed the course and diminished its value in Nigeria’s education system.
Hayab urged government to encourage the study of CRS in schools and to recruit more teachers across northern Nigeria. He explained that CRS should be viewed as a discipline with broad applications in peace, psychology, governance, and human relations, rather than being restricted to prayer or ministry.
“Christian Religious Studies is not just about church. It is about humanity, morality, and peaceful living. What sociology does, CRS also does. A graduate of CRS can pursue peace and conflict studies or other fields. The challenge is that we have failed to present it properly. We must shift the narrative,” he said.
The cleric added that professionals across sectors perform better when they understand religion, as it instills accountability and moral discipline. He commended northern governors who recently reintroduced CRS in public schools, describing the move as recognition that moral upbringing is central to addressing social decay.
Hayab also challenged churches, teachers, and stakeholders to repackage CRS in ways that inspire young people, insisting it should be promoted as a tool for building disciplined and peace-loving citizens. He further urged development partners to support CRS education, noting that religion has historically been at the heart of health, education, and social development.
“Religion is the engine room of development. It is not just about God and church. We must deliberately shift the narrative and promote CRS as a course that builds peace, shapes character, and strengthens nation-building,” he concluded.
