The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) recently praised the Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, for reintroducing Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools across the state.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the council described the move as “worthy of commendation,” noting that it aligns with Islamic principles of equity, fairness, and justice.

The council stated:
“It is common knowledge that the religion of Islam condemns the persecution of minorities in its totality. During the first century of Islamic suzerainty over Arabia, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasised the rights of the minority regarding freedom of belief and worship and strove to ensure that they were not only protected but also safeguarded against persecution.”

While throwing its support behind the teaching of CRS in Muslim-majority states, the NSCIA also called for reciprocity in Christian-majority parts of Nigeria where Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) is reportedly restricted.

It cited the case of Rivers State University, where Muslim students and staff were allegedly denied space to observe their five daily prayers, despite winning legal battles up to the Court of Appeal. The matter, the NSCIA noted, has been pending at the Supreme Court since 2018.

The council stressed that Nigeria’s progress and development remain tied to the political class’ willingness to eschew injustice, partisanship, and intolerance of pluralism in governance.