A local government official in Nigeria has advocated for the reinstatement of religious education in schools. Engineer Akeem Olatunji, Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area in Oyo State, made the call during an event at Bari College of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ibadan. The 57th anniversary and award presentation ceremony was attended by prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders.

Olatunji emphasized the importance of reintroducing Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools. He noted that many public schools currently lack teachers for these subjects, which were once a part of the curriculum. The official believes that reinstating these subjects would help produce God-fearing leaders and bridge the gap in moral education.

According to Olatunji, Islam is often misunderstood and associated with terrorism and criminal activities. He maintained that these acts are not representative of the principles of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad. The official stressed that public schools should have training sessions to teach religious studies, which would help raise a new generation of leaders with strong moral values.

The Proprietor of Bari College, Dr. Abdul-Baari Adetunji, also called on the government to employ more teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies. This move is seen as a step towards promoting religious education and countering the misconception that Islam is linked to terrorism.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including the Chief Imam of Igannaland, Sheikh Hazmat Mobolaji Surakat, and the Grand Mufti and Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Dr. Abdul-Baari Adetunji. The gathering highlighted the significance of religious education in shaping the values and principles of future leaders.

The call for reinstating religious education in schools comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various social and economic challenges. Proponents of religious education believe that it can play a crucial role in promoting moral values and countering extremist ideologies. As the debate on religious education continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the call for reinstating IRS and CRS in schools.