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 increased investment in religious education, describing it as a critical tool for tackling Nigeria’s growing moral, social and security challenges.
Hayab made the call 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 Nigeria’s persistent challenges, including insecurity, corruption, intolerance and the erosion of societal values, underscore the need for educational programmes that promote ethical conduct, responsible citizenship and national cohesion.
According to him, religious education remains vital in shaping character, encouraging peaceful coexistence and producing leaders with integrity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
“While government institutions and security agencies continue to address the nation’s challenges, sustainable solutions require deliberate efforts to rebuild society’s moral foundation through quality education,” he said.
Speaking on the relevance of Christian Religious Studies, Hayab dismissed the perception that the discipline is meant solely for prospective clergy, stressing that it equips students with practical skills applicable across various professions and sectors.
He noted that CRS graduates acquire competencies in ethical decision-making, leadership, conflict resolution and critical thinking, qualities that are increasingly needed in today’s complex society.
Drawing from his experience in peacebuilding and national engagement, he added that a sound understanding of faith can foster reconciliation, mutual respect and social harmony among diverse communities.
Hayab encouraged students to take pride in their field of study, describing it as a noble discipline capable of producing agents of positive change.
He also highlighted numerous career opportunities available to graduates, including teaching, counselling, journalism, public relations, human resource management, public administration, peacebuilding, humanitarian services, policy advocacy and community development.
The NCA chairman further urged the management of Kaduna State University to sustain support for the Department of Christian Religious Studies through improved infrastructure, staff development, research grants, digital learning resources and strategic academic partnerships.
He also appealed to churches and Christian organisations to complement such efforts by establishing scholarship schemes, mentorship programmes and internship opportunities for students pursuing religious studies.
Representing the university management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Muhammad Bashir Ali, commended the initiative, describing the new facility as a significant addition to the institution’s academic infrastructure.
Ali expressed confidence that the conference and seminar hall would enhance teaching, learning and research activities within the department while providing a platform for wider scholarly engagement.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Dr. John Ishaku, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement, attributing the project’s success to the support and commitment of Hayab to education and humanitarian service.
He disclosed that the facility has been equipped with modern digital tools and essential academic resources to support teaching, learning and research for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, adding that it would significantly strengthen scholarly activities within the department.
The event attracted members of the university management, academic staff, students, religious leaders and other stakeholders, who described the project as a major contribution to the advancement of religious scholarship and research at Kaduna State University.
