NATAIS tasks government on revamping teaching of religion in schools

Teachers under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) have emphasized the need for proper teaching of religion in schools, describing it as a veritable platform to instill moral discipline in students.

The teachers, in a communiqué issued after the National Executive Committee meeting in Auchi, Edo State, said the separation of Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRS) from ‘Religious and National Values’ in the Nigerian curriculum by the government is a welcome development which shall foster correct understanding and teaching of the religions.

The group therefore urged that, “government should continue to promote proper teaching of religion in order to ensure moral discipline and patriotism among the citizens,”

The communiqué jointly signed by the National President, Sani Umar Musa and the National Secretary, Abubakar Kuwa Hassan, further enjoined Nigerians to cooperate with one another towards developing the country with all sincerity, love and prayers for their leaders.

The group expressed worries at the misconception of some interest groups on the status of Arabic Language in the Nigerian education curriculum, stating that the status of Arabic Language is completely different from Islamic Religious Studies as stipulated in the curriculum.

NATAIS however charged the government to do the needful in safeguarding the University of Maiduguri in particular from the incessant attack and continue with sterling at curbing the menace of kidnapping and other crimes in the country.

The group observed that the: “Disturbing trend of clamour for secession and restructuring of the country which poses serious threat not only to the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria, but also to the sanctity of life, wealth and dignity of mankind.

It also noted that the lingering hardship on the masses was as a result of persistent corrupt practices in the country which the government has been battling with, urging it to ensure prudent management of resources and monitor the judicious utilization of the Paris Club Refund money in order to get the country out of economic recession.