Currently, the Senate, also called the red chambers, is proposing a bill for establishment of a “National Centre for Christian Education”. The sponsors of this bill asserted that the law will ensure regulation and set standards to practice Christianity in the country, while promoting national cohesion in religion. At first instance, other religious faiths were said to have sponsored the piece of legislation for the purpose of reducing the wide spread of Christianity in Nigeria.
Information about the supposed sponsors went viral, building fears among Christian communities which underwent various kind of annihilation from Islamic terrorists during President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime. However, it has been discovered that there is no plan to stop Christians from preaching the kingdom gospel which is regarded as a fundamental faith principle. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also made clarifications that Hon. Shawulu Kwenmwun sponsored the bill under the House of Representatives with other core-sponsors.
Preserving the sanctity of the Christian faith is considered.
The National Director of Education, Youth and Women Development of CAN, Rev. Osumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, stated that the bill is hinged at getting a regulatory council for Christian education that will be in charge of the development of the Christian curriculum, while monitoring what secular schools teach the children. The proposed bill is regarded as a contribution towards preservation of the sanctity of the religion’s faith and the innocence of its children. Also, there is the issue of substandard theological schools in the country.
Certificates awarded in substandard theological schools lack recognition beyond the institutions that gave them. Another purpose of this bill is to aid in the harmonization of their operations, setting a specific minimum standard that must be satisfied before certification can be awarded to their graduates. Also, there will be formalization of Christian education as a course of study in their tertiary institutions, with recognition and validity accorded to certificates awarded from Bible and theological schools and other Nigerian Christian institutions.
Wrongful practice of religion in Nigeria causes extremism.
Tagged “An Act to Establish the National Council for Christian Education for the Purpose of Regulating and Setting Standard and For Related Matters, 2023”, the bill has sailed through second reading for enhancement of the educational value of Christianity. Representing Plateau North, Senator Istifanus Gyang, stated that extremism was bred by wrongful practice of religion. He added that there is no need for Nigerians to suspect themselves because of religion differences. Instead, they should build understanding and respect for one another.
Rightful practice of religion, according to the sponsors, could drive strength and national cohesion. Representing Benue South, Senator Moro said that the bill is accurate due to the fact that some youths have fallen under the manipulation of extremist religious leaders. These manipulations are mostly in form of inappropriate teaching of the Bible and the Qu’ran. After the second reading, the bill has been referred to the Committee of Education for more legislative contributions before it becomes a law.
Adoption of any religion as State Religion is not permissible.
In Nigeria, the country’s secularity, constitution, laws and policies protects religion freedom. According to the constitution, there is a mandate that the government “Shall not adopt any religion as State Religion” for avoidance of enthronement of religious suppression. Religious groups, across the world, contribute to creation of educational infrastructure and development of societal attitudes towards education. Today, Christian education is recognized for reforms and has advocated for educational funding and innovation, empowerment, moral improvement, service delivery and social movement.
Related Link
CAN: Website
National Centre for Christian Education Bill – CAN clarified that the bill does not stop Christians from preaching the gospel. – Express your point of view.
The National Centre for Christian Education Bill of Nigeria does not restrict Christians from preaching the gospel. It is important to read and understand the bill in its entirety and avoid misconceptions or misinterpretations.
We might be hearing this now, when it’s time for implementation they will now interpret the law in a way to suppress christians. I just hope the bill doesn’t have any intent to stop people from preaching the gospel.
The bill does not stop Christians from preaching is better to understand the bill well and not misquote it in the wrong way so it is not stopping them they can be preaching the gospel
Christians are not prohibited from sharing the gospel by Nigeria’s National Center for Christian Education Bill. It is crucial to read and comprehend the entire law in order to avoid misunderstandings.
The law does not prevent Christians from preaching, so it is best to grasp it thoroughly and avoid misrepresenting it so that they can continue to share the gospel
National Centre for Christian Education Bill. Nigeria government is always trying to copy the Europe ways but they can’t do what the Europe government is doing for it citizens
This Christian bill seems somehow to me and it should be reviewed once again before it’s implemented cause of the misunderstanding that may follow.
The clarification of the Christian education Bill by the CAN is good one. To make the Christian ro known that the Bill doesn’t stop Christian from preaching the gospel to the people.
The clarity given on the National Centre for Christian Education Bill by CAN is substantial and very informative. I hope when it is finally enacted will not work against the christians.
The clarification given concerning the National Centre for Christian Education Bill by CAN is very direct without any bias against the christians. In fact it will strengthen the relationships among the religions.