Oyo LG chairman, Olatunji calls for re-introduction of IRS, CRS in public schools

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Oyo LG chairman, Olatunji calls for re-introduction of IRS, CRS in public schools

The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area in 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 in the country.

Olatunji made the call while speaking with journalists at the 57th anniversary and award presentation organized by Bari College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ibadan, on Sunday.

The event was attended by the Chief Imam of Igannaland, Sheikh Hazmat Mobolaji Surakat; the Chief Imam of Ikirunland, Sheikh Yunus Ibrahim Balogun; Professor Olalekan Sanni; Sheikh Muhydeen Onihantu; Sheikh Abdulfattah Adepoju; and the Grand Mufti and Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, who doubles as the Proprietor of the college, Dr. Abdul-Baari Adetunji.

Others in attendance included the Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaji Abduljelil Adanla, Alhaji Abdulrahman Afolabi, Sheikh Zakariyah Tijani, and the Director of the college, Dr. Izzudeen Adetunji.

Olatunji noted that many public schools in the country currently lack teachers for IRS and CRS.

He emphasized that the re-introduction of these subjects would help bridge the gap and contribute to raising God-fearing leaders in the country.

He further maintained that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism or other criminal activities.

Olatunji said, “Islam has nothing to do with banditry, terrorism, or other criminal activities. Those engaging in such acts are not followers of the principles of Islam as explained by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“They are not even Muslims; the majority do not even practice Islam. We should, as much as possible, ensure that public schools have training sessions to teach religious studies.

“In the past, we had Islamic Religious Studies and Christian Religious Studies in our schools, but most schools no longer have them. These subjects are now almost extinct. These are the areas where we raise God-fearing leaders.

“So, we need to re-introduce Islamic Religious Studies and Christian Religious Studies from the primary school level through to secondary school. Most schools do not have IRS and CRS now. What we need is to re-introduce them in our primary and secondary schools.”

The Proprietor of the college, Dr. Adetunji, also called on the government to employ more teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies.