The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Dr Joseph John Hayab, has called for greater investment in religious education, describing it as an essential instrument for addressing Nigeria’s growing moral, social and security challenges.
Hayab appealed on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Conference and Seminar Hall at Kaduna State University (KASU), where he urged governments, churches, families and faith-based organisations to strengthen support for religious studies and students pursuing the discipline.
He said the country’s persistent challenges, including insecurity, corruption, intolerance and declining social values, have underscored the need for educational programmes that promote ethical conduct and responsible citizenship.
According to him, religious education plays a vital role in shaping character, encouraging peaceful coexistence and nurturing leaders with integrity and a sense of responsibility.
Hayab observed that while security agencies and government institutions continue to tackle the nation’s challenges, long-term solutions would require deliberate efforts to rebuild society’s moral foundation through quality education.
Speaking on the relevance of Christian religious studies, he rejected the notion that the discipline is reserved only for those intending to become clergy, stressing that it offers knowledge and skills applicable to diverse professions and public service.
He explained that the study of CRS equips students with competencies in ethical decision-making, leadership, conflict management and critical thinking, which are increasingly valuable in contemporary society.
Drawing from his experience in peacebuilding and national engagement, Hayab noted that a proper understanding of faith can foster reconciliation, mutual respect and social harmony among diverse communities.
He encouraged students of Christian religious studies to take pride in their field of study, describing it as a discipline that prepares individuals to contribute meaningfully to both the Church and society.
“The world today needs people of integrity, wisdom, compassion and moral courage. Christian Religious Studies remains a noble and relevant discipline with the capacity to shape positive change,” he said.
Hayab further highlighted career opportunities available to graduates of the discipline, including teaching, counselling, journalism, public relations, human resource management, public administration, peace and conflict resolution, humanitarian services, policy advocacy and community development.
He added that graduates could also pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as peace and conflict studies, theology, philosophy, sociology, international relations, education and development studies.
The NCA chairman also appealed to the management of Kaduna State University to continue supporting the Department of Christian Religious Studies through improved infrastructure, staff training, research funding, digital learning resources and strategic academic partnerships.
He urged churches and Christian organisations to complement such efforts by creating scholarship schemes, mentorship initiatives and internship opportunities for students.
According to him, sustained investment in religious education would help produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to national development and social transformation.
Representing the university management, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Muhammad Bashir Ali, commended the initiative and described the new facility as a valuable addition to the university’s academic infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the conference and seminar hall would enhance teaching, learning and research activities within the department while creating opportunities for broader scholarly engagement.
Earlier, the head of the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Dr John Ishaku, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for the department.
He said the facility was made possible through the support of Hayab, whom he praised for his commitment to education and humanitarian service.
Ishaku explained that the seminar and research hall had been equipped with essential facilities and digital tools to support teaching, learning and research for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
He noted that despite its modest size, the facility would significantly improve academic activities within the department because of the resources provided for research and scholarly work.
The event was attended by members of the university management, academic staff, students, religious leaders and other stakeholders, who described the project as a significant contribution to the advancement of religious scholarship and research at Kaduna State University.
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