Reintroduce Religious Studies to Tackle Moral Decay, Scholar Urges
A university don, Dr. Abdulhameed Badmus Yusuf of the University of Ilorin, has called for the reinstatement of religious studies as a core subject in Nigerian schools to address the growing moral decline among youths.
Dr. Yusuf made the appeal on Friday in Ilorin during a Town Hall meeting organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).
The meeting focused on finding sustainable solutions to moral decadence in Kwara State.
According to him, the exclusion of religious education from school curricula has contributed significantly to rising crime and moral disorder among young Nigerians.
“In those days, Islamic Studies and Christian Religious Studies were compulsory subjects for all students, regardless of whether they were in science, art, or commercial classes,p
“Now that these subjects are no longer common, we are seeing a geometric increase in crime. Both religions teach the same set of moral values we need in our society,” he said.
He added that both the Qur’an and the Bible emphasise moral uprightness. “In the Qur’an, Allah instructs believers to imbibe moral values, while in the Ten Commandments, six of them focus on moral conduct,” he explained.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, urged residents to uphold the values of peace, knowledge, and harmony that the state is known for.
“Our forefathers fought for education, progress, and development, not for power,” he said. “We must ensure that the legacy of peace and excellence they left behind continues to thrive.”
Also speaking, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Issa Onilu, represented by Mrs. Theresa Maduekwe, said the gathering aimed to unite stakeholders in finding lasting solutions to social vices.
She encouraged youths to use social media and technology for self-improvement and community growth.
The President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, said the meeting sought to revive the moral and cultural values for which the Ilorin Emirate is renowned.
The event followed a sensitisation walk held earlier in the week against moral decadence and will be followed by an empowerment programme for 40 youths, who will receive training in soap making and barbing, along with starter kits.
Representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps were also in attendance.
