The Federal Government of Nigeria says it is not true that it removed Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) from the new curriculum of schools.
The Nigerian government also denied introducing Islamic Arabic Studies/French subjects in the new curriculum and that students would study either of the two subjects.
It made this known through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
Executive Secretary of the council, Professor Ismail Junaidu, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Basic Education Curriculum which includes the Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Studies Curricula was approved in 2013 by the council.
It read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the last review of the curriculum was approved in 2013 and implementation commenced in September, 2014.
“In both instances, neither the Christian Religious Knowledge nor Islamic Studies was removed from the curriculum. In fact, at the commencement of the present administration, the Hon. Minister of Education sought and obtained the approval of the National Council on Education to make Christian Religious Knowledge compulsory for all Christian students and Islamic Studies compulsory for their Muslim counterparts.
“The claims peddled on social media platforms and a national daily are to say the least speculative, false and unfounded. Specifically as regards the Religion and National Values Curriculum.
“It is obvious after perusing these claims, that while some of the peddlers operate from the oblivious side of information, many resort to this out of mischief needless of being extended into the critical sector of education.
“The Management of NERDC hereby reiterates categorically and unequivocally to all Nigerians that the subject offerings (Civic Education, Social Studies, Christian Religious Knowledge, Islamic Studies and Security Education) under the Religion and National Values Curriculum are distinct, as listed and taught separately on the time table.”
