FG denials merger of Islamic and Christian Studies at Universities

Adamu Aminu

The federal government has refuted the latest reports on Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) and Christian Religious Studies (CRK) unification.

Mallam Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, has stated the government’s position in a statement issued by Mr. Ben Bem-Goong, the deputy director on press and public relations.

According to the statement, secondary school students are free to choose any of the two subjects depending on their religious beliefs.

The statement reads in part: “The directive has become necessary following weeks of speculations in the social and conventional media networks across the country that the two subjects have been merged into one.

"There is no compulsion in the study of the two religions. Secondary school students are at liberty to choose any of the two subjects depending on their religious leanings.

"The Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Religious Studies have remained separate subjects in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

"If such a change has occurred (merger of IRS & CRS), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would have reflected same in their programmes and examinations.”