The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, has called for the re-introduction of Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in both primary and secondary schools across the country.
Olatunji made the call on Sunday while speaking with journalists at the 57th anniversary and award presentation ceremony organised by the Bari College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ibadan.
He lamented that many public schools currently lack qualified teachers for IRS and CRS, describing the situation as a major setback to moral and value-based education.
According to him, the absence of structured religious studies in schools has contributed to the decline in moral standards and leadership values among young people.
“In the past, we had Islamic Religious Studies and Christian Religious Studies in our schools, but today, most schools no longer offer them. These subjects are almost extinct, yet they are critical to raising God-fearing leaders,” Olatunji said.
He stressed that Islam should not be associated with terrorism, banditry, or criminal activities, insisting that those involved in such acts do not represent the teachings of the religion.
“Islam has nothing to do with banditry, terrorism, or other criminal activities. Those who engage in such acts are not true followers of Islamic principles as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” he stated.
Olatunji further urged government authorities to organise training programmes and recruit teachers to ensure the effective teaching of religious studies in public schools.
He added that reintroducing IRS and CRS from the primary to secondary school levels would help instil discipline, moral values, and responsible leadership in future generations.
Also speaking at the event, the Proprietor of the college, Dr Abdul-Baari Adetunji, appealed to the government to employ more teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies to strengthen religious and moral education in the country.
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