Nigeria's Educational System Needs Freethought
by Leo Igwe
http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/shb/igwe_19_2.htm


Freethought is lacking in Nigeria's educational institutions. This is because the country's schools were originally established by religious groups, mainly Christian missionaries from Europe who used them as tools for proselytizing and converting the Nigerian "heathens." The curricula were faith-based and overwhelmed by religious indoctrination, dogma, and brainwashing. Education was used to get Nigerians to embrace Christianity or Islam. It was not an avenue for self-realization or intellectual growth.

But in the early 1970s, the Nigerian government took over all the schools in order to instill secular ideals and values into public education. But the Nigerian educational system has retained its religious character-Islamic in the north and Christian in the south. The government's secularization project was never achieved. So, two religions have maintained their corrupting influence on Nigeria's schools and students, allowing no space for free, independent, and secular thoughts to thrive and flourish.

Consequently, most educated Nigerians are intellectually inclined to blind faith and unreason. They have a pathological aversion to critical thinking and free inquiry. The current educational climate is not only repressive but dangerous. For over a decade, Nigerian schools, colleges, polytechnics, and universities have been bedeviled by the actions of cultists and criminals. Tertiary institutions especially have been scenes of indescribable violence against students by other students. School authorities have often attributed the problems to students' lack of faith, godlessness, or religious indifference. Some have turned to religious leaders for help, and they now flock to the campuses to hold crusades, prayer sessions, and revivals. But the problems have not been solved.

Other problems have been created. Nigerian campuses have been turned into religious supermarkets, and Nigerian education has become sectarian. Religious meetings are now conducted virtually everywhere in schools—in libraries, lecture halls, and even in laboratories. A number of lecturers have abandoned teaching and researching to become clerics and evangelists.

There is no longer any clear demarcation between religious duties and academic work.

As Islam and Christianity continue their decades-long battle for control of the nation's educational system, Nigerian schools have been turned into breeding grounds for religious militants, terrorists, and bandits. Since the 1980s there have been recurring instances of crises and violence-at the University of Sokoto (1986), the University of Ibadan (1987), Queen Amina College Kaduna (1987), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1988), Government Vocational Training School Markafi (1990), Government Girls' College Jalingo (1992), Kaduna Polytechnic (1992), and many others. Many incidents have been sparked by efforts to introduce and implement Islamic law in the country. In February 2003, Muslim and Christian students clashed in some secondary schools in Oyo State over the wearing of the Islamic veil.

I find this situation deplorable. I am using this opportunity to call for an immediate end to this dangerous trend in Nigerian education. I submit that, rather than too little religion, it is too much religion that is at the root of the problem of intellectual decay on the campuses. All in all, religion is part of the problem facing Nigerian schools. And religion cannot be the solution. All who think that more religion or faith is required to eradicate the problems in Nigeria's educational system are terribly mistaken.

Even though religious groups may have something positive to contribute to Nigerian education, such offers are corrupted and complicated by the extremes of religious fundamentalism, militancy, and rivalry in the schools.

Beside cultism, religious fanaticism remains one of the greatest threats to education and academic freedom in Nigeria. Religious fundamentalism sanctifies ignorance, glorifies conformity and blind obedience, and rewards lack of curiosity and intellectual stagnation. All religions have a way of turning young and docile minds into stone, making them impervious to critical intelligence and rational thought. This is the tragic situation in Nigerian schools.

And now, what is the way forward? Personally, I am of the view that Nigerian campuses are in dire need of an intellectual awakening that would tackle religious fundamentalism and occultism, foster academic freedom, and restore genuine scholarship and intellectual culture. To this end, I am strongly recommending that the following take place on all Nigerian campuses: a decline in religious belief and observance and an explosion of humanism, skepticism, and freethought.

Religion and dogma must decrease; reason, science, and freethought must increase. Theism, supernaturalism, and occultism must shrink; secular humanism and skepticism must expand and flourish. The culture of faith and blind belief must be replaced with a culture of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Nigerian students should rededicate themselves to the pursuit of the ideals of enlightenment and intellectual and moral progress.

As part of its efforts to improve the quality of learning and instruction in schools nationwide, the Nigerian humanist movement has initiated a Campus Freethought Project, in coordination with the Council for Secular Humanism's Campus Freethought Alliance (CFA). The Project is aimed at countering religious fundamentalism and encouraging critical inquiry into every area of human endeavor. It will support and stimulate student humanism, skepticism, and freethought through the publication and distribution of literature, news and information services, and lectures and seminars on campuses nationwide—much like CFA has done across North America.

CFA Nigeria seeks to encourage students to cultivate open-mindedness, to exercise their creative and critical faculties, and give free rein to their moral and intellectual energies by following a secular and reasoned approached to life and learning
I call upon all Nigerian students who entertain humanist, freethought, and skeptical sentiments to organize into groups and take up the task of secularizing life and learning in schools. All students should see this as part of the efforts to salvage Nigerian education and its institutions. I hope the Nigerian Campus Freethought Project will help enlighten, liberate, and bring joy to life and learning in Nigerian schools, colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

Nice article. . . there is so much to be learned from it but this line of reasoning will hardly or never sell in nigeria. . . we have governors organizing a jambore and calling on citizens to pray for peace in the niger delta anything that man wants to do must be done by man himself but nigerians simply fail to understand that. . . . .

VeriLee:

I call upon all Nigerian students who entertain humanist, freethought, and skeptical sentiments to organize into groups and take up the task of secularizing life and learning in schools. All students should see this as part of the efforts to salvage Nigerian education and its institutions. I hope the Nigerian Campus Freethought Project will help enlighten, liberate, and bring joy to life and learning in Nigerian schools, colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

I really love your article but Nigeria is a God society Nigerians trying to entertain free thought is like a heroine addict trying to kick the habit and humanists organizing into groups to express free thoughts about religion would have to do it secretly just like homos and lesbians do because they'd be hated like they are.

Over two years since i first read this article. I just wish our christian & muslim brothers & sisters would read it & comment on it.

articulate >>> was what came to my mind after reading the article

and naive >>> secularism would further add to the quandary of problems in the Nigerian context

>>> furthermore skepticism, secularism and freethought >>> don't equate to critical thinking/inquiry and reason >>> an annoying demotic characterizing atheists

however >>> i would be an ox-head to deny that religious fundamentalism is a grave problem in our schools >>> CFA wouldn't solve it_which is what is connoted in this post_the problem is much deeper than that

and i'm too lazy to start highlighting them on this post >>> some other time >>> or if someone takes me up on it

They don't? What does,then? Blind faith in foreign religious doctrines? What exactly is the point of going to higher institutions if religious zealotry is all that will be acquired as higher education?

Uyi Iredia:

>>> furthermore skepticism, secularism and freethought >>> don't equate to critical thinking/inquiry and reason >>> an annoying demotic characterizing atheists

Jenwitemi:

They don't? What does,then? Blind faith in foreign religious doctrines? What exactly is the point of going to higher institutions if religious zealotry is all that will be acquired as higher education?

*sighs at poster* Yes, Jenwetemi >>> they don't

what does ? >>> the intellect >>> what makes you think that being skeptic is a result of critical inquiry >>> it could jolly well be as a result of ignorance *SMH is not like you subscribe to extreme skepticism advanced by the likes of Pyrrho*

2 up >>> religious zealotry isn't acquired in schools >>> it is demonstrated in schools >>> it is acquired in the home because it is already entrenched in a society >>> make that distinction_you overlooked it.

The problem with the secularist/ humanist movement is that they preach Atheism under the guise of free thought but the real agenda is to create a Godless society.   Look at UK and USA. These countries are founded on Christian principles; however they are now so Secularized that religion has become a source of scorn especially in the UK.  Moral decay is rampant in the society, many of the children leave school and do not bother to further their education.

Secularism does not encourage free thinking it rather promotes anarchy, due to the lack of clarity between wrong and right.

Morality and ethics is birthed from religious teachings.  Religion upholds a standard of truth from which we develop into a better society.  Unfortunately religion of today has become self serving and controlling, rather than God serving and enlightening.  

However secularism or humanism is not the answer, as this leads to moral decay, which is demonstrated in many inner cities in the west where religion is banned from schools.

@ lng >>> i agree with some aspects of your post >>> i like as you mention that atheism spreads by beguiling with the notion of free thought >>> a misleading term >>> and when i first encountered freethought >>> i was bemused to find it was all atheist >>> i was thinking a discussion of science and stuff with mutual respect for religious differences

however >>> i don't agree that one has to be religious to be ethical >>> not so >>> at least not the way you imply

Uyi Iredia:

*sighs at poster* Yes, Jenwetemi >>>  they don't

Great clarification there! Now i get it, NOT. Can you back your claim more solidly? Anybody can throw claims around like water bubbles.

Uyi Iredia:

what does ? >>> the intellect >>> what makes you think that being skeptic is a result of critical inquiry >>> it could jolly well be as a result of ignorance *SMH is not like you subscribe to extreme skepticism advanced by the likes of Pyrrho*

Would you say that, as a christian, you are skeptical of islamic religion as well as other religions out of ignorance then? 

Uyi Iredia:


2 up >>> religious zealotry isn't acquired in schools >>> it is demonstrated in schools >>> it is acquired in the home because it is already entrenched in a society >>> make that distinction_you overlooked it.

Religious zealotry could also be acquired in schools if they are being "demonstrated" there, especially in a virulent fashion as the case is in naija.

@ jenwetemi >>> You don't have to get it *no be by force na* >>> i have given a solid enough example by saying that
>>> the application of one's intellect is what equates to critical thinking/ inquiry and reason

>>> absolutely >>> part of my skepticism lies in the fact that i don't fully know/understand their ideologies >>> i'm sure you've heard of Christians who become Muslims >>> i've personally witnessed such

i guess we're even then >>> unless you wanna up the ante

Uyi Iredia:

articulate >>> was what came to my mind after reading the article

and naive >>> secularism would further add to the quandary of problems in the Nigerian context

How would it further add to the problems?

Uyi Iredia:

>>> furthermore skepticism, secularism and freethought >>> don't equate to critical thinking/inquiry and reason >>> an annoying demotic characterizing atheists

No they don't but they are crucial for critical thinking to rise and flourish.

Uyi Iredia:

however >>> i would be an ox-head to deny that religious fundamentalism is a grave problem in our schools >>> CFA wouldn't solve it_which is what is connoted in this post_the problem is much deeper than that

It will go a long way in reducing it.

Uyi Iredia:

and i'm too lazy to start highlighting them on this post >>> some other time >>> or if someone takes me up on it

Sure there are other problems but I think that of religious fundamentalism is quite pernicious.

lng:

  Look at UK and USA. These countries are founded on Christian principles; however they are now so Secularized that religion has become a source of scorn especially in the UK.

Which of the Christian principles are the USA and the UK founded upon?. . .Are democracy, slavery, separation of Church and state, capitalism all Christian principles?. . .

Moral decay is rampant in the society, many of the children leave school and do not bother to further their education.

And Nigeria that is one of the most corrupt and yet one of the most religious country on earth is what?. . . .Which society has more moral upright people, Nigeria or the UK?. . .

Secularism does not encourage free thinking it rather promotes anarchy, due to the lack of clarity between wrong and right.

You don't know what you are talking about at all. . . .Your evidence that secularism promotes anarchy is WHAT?. . .

Morality and ethics is birthed from religious teachings.  Religion upholds a standard of truth from which we develop into a better society.  Unfortunately religion of today has become self serving and controlling, rather than God serving and enlightening.

 

Why then are religious societies not better than secular societies?. . . . .Why are people running from religious societies to secular societies?. . .

However secularism or humanism is not the answer, as this leads to moral decay, which is demonstrated in many inner cities in the west where religion is banned from schools.

Why are religious societies not better than secular societies?. . . .

Which of the Christian principles are the USA and the UK founded upon?. . .

Part of the USA declaration of independence states that “ all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The last verse of the star spangled banner says in “God is our trust”.  The UK national anthem is “God save the Queen”

Are democracy, slavery, separation of Church and state, capitalism all Christian principles?.

I don’t have the time to breakdown the scriptures here, however, A Christian British MP William Wilberforce contributed greatly to the Abolition of transatlantic slave trade.

And Nigeria that is one of the most corrupt and yet one of the most religious country on earth is what?. . . .Which society has more moral upright people, Nigeria or the UK?.   

Nigeria may be religious in name but the lifestyles tell a different story. The UK has + 200 years head-start on democracy over Nigeria which means they are a more established society but not necessarily morally up right.

You don't know what you are talking about at all. . . .Your evidence that secularism promotes anarchy is WHAT? 

Many modern Secularists such as Richard Dawkings believe that Religion should be eradicated from society, this cannot be considered to be promoting free thinking

Why are people running from religious societies to secular societies?. . . 

You will find out that the reverse is the case such as China, Russia (plus old USSR states)

Why are religious societies not better than secular societies?.

My point is that where one is pushed out for the sake of the other which is the ultimate plan of the secular/humanist movement then freedom of religion is not permitted.

oh! >>> homer, nice to see you on this post >>> wouldn't mind you taking me up anytime

*1 >>> the presence of secularism would vex religious adherents >>> especially religious fundamentalists >>> as i connoted earlier religion is deeply entrenched in society and secularism as a school of thought wouldn't gain acceptance easily >>> it wouldn't be hard to imagine, say, a sect like the infamous Boko Haram going on another 'cleansing ritual' should something akin to CFA crop up in one of 'em Northern colleges >>> the inevitable fracas which'll occur due to the manifest of skeptic/secularist/'free-thinking' clubs would worsen the imbroglio >>> the very imbroglio the OP rightly articulates >>> This is what i mean when i say secularism will worsen the situation

*2 >>> I concur

*3 >>> i'd propose you use the term religious fanaticism >>> not fundamentalism >>> all fanatics are fundamentalists >>> but the converse is not true >>> i, for instance, consider myself as a Christian fundamentalist >>> do i pass off for a fanatic ? as the likes of chakula, Mudley et al *as well as other fanatics, Christians much inclusive, who you must've have chanced*

a fact to note is that >>> religious violence is much pervasive in the North than the South

mazaje:

Nice article. . . there is so much to be learned from it but this line of reasoning will hardly or never sell in nigeria. . . we have governors organizing a jambore and calling on citizens to pray for peace in the niger delta anything that man wants to do must be done by man himself but nigerians simply fail to understand that. . . . .

which makes you a part of what i dub  >>> The Nigerian question

lng:

Part of the USA declaration of independence states that “ all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

But the same founding fathers saw to it that blacks were enslaved for generations, no?. . . .Is seperation of church and state a Christian principle?. . . .

The last verse of the star spangled banner says in “God is our trust”. The UK national anthem is “God save the Queen”

God bless the queen means UK was founded on Christian principle, eh?. . . .

I don’t have the time to breakdown the scriptures here, however, A Christian British MP William Wilberforce contributed greatly to the Abolition of transatlantic slave trade.

An atheist like Robert Ingersoll also contributed to the abolition of slavery. . . By the way, most of the ships that were conveying slaves in and out of Africa were filled with Christian missionaries, no?. . . .Slaves were thought to be obedient to their masters and not to revolt using passages from the bible, no?. . . . .There are many verses in the bible where Yahweh advocates and sanctioned slavery, no?. . . .

Nigeria may be religious in name but the lifestyles tell a different story. The UK has + 200 years head-start on democracy over Nigeria which means they are a more established society but not necessarily morally up right.

The UK is a secular country, while Nigeria is still a very religious country, which of the two is a better country?. . . . .

lng:


Many modern Secularists such as Richard Dawkings believe that Religion should be eradicated from society, this cannot be considered to be promoting free thinking

You falsely claimed that secularism promotes anarchy and I asked you to provide your evidence for that false assertion. . . .

My point is that where one is pushed out for the sake of the other which is the ultimate plan of the secular/humanist movement then freedom of religion is not permitted.

My point is that Nigeria will never move forward until we accept that it is only we that can help our selves not imaginary Gods and mythical beliefs. . . . . .Any thing that man needs to do must be done by man himself, no imaginary God has ever helped any society to develop. . . . . .

mazaje:

You falsely claimed that secularism promotes anarchy and I asked you to provide your evidence for that false assertion. . . .

My point is that Nigeria will never move forward until we accept that it is only we that can help our selves not imaginary Gods and mythical beliefs. . . . . . Any thing that man needs to do must be done by man himself, no imaginary God has ever helped any society to develop. . . . . .

Nah >>> that is a naive assumption >>> Nigerians are well aware that they need to help themselves >>> governors like Fashola are testament to the fact that practical leadership is very much available and at work (but still latent) >>>

*the beautiful ones are still in the womb waiting to be birthed_in due time*
- Uyi Iredia

Uyi Iredia:

oh! >>> homer, nice to see you on this post >>> wouldn't mind you taking me up anytime

Ok.

Uyi Iredia:

*1 >>> the presence of secularism would vex religious adherents >>> especially religious fundamentalists >>> as i connoted earlier religion is deeply entrenched in society and secularism as a school of thought wouldn't gain acceptance easily >>> it wouldn't be hard to imagine, say, a sect like the infamous Boko Haram going on another 'cleansing ritual' should something akin to CFA crop up in one of 'em Northern colleges >>> the inevitable fracas which'll occur due to the manifest of skeptic/secularist/'free-thinking' clubs would worsen the imbroglio >>> the very imbroglio the OP rightly articulates >>> This is what i mean when i say secularism will worsen the situation

Can it really be worsened because free thinkers are around? I hope you realize that these fanatics kill any one who does not agree with them. Also, consider the southern parts of Nigeria. Would it not improve things there?

Uyi Iredia:

*2 >>> I concur

Ok.

Uyi Iredia:

*3 >>> i'd propose you use the term religious fanaticism >>> not fundamentalism >>> all fanatics are fundamentalists >>> but the converse is not true >>> i, for instance, consider myself as a Christian fundamentalist >>> do i pass off for a fanatic ? as the likes of chakula, Mudley et al *as well as other fanatics, Christians much inclusive, who you must've have chanced*

Ok I will. But, I'm willing to bet that you are not a religious fundamentalist.

Uyi Iredia:

a fact to note is that >>> religious violence is much pervasive in the North than the South

Yeah and I think a dose of secularism and rational thinking will be a good thing. Especially when these people realize that no one group has some sort of monopoly on violence.

Uyi Iredia:

@ lng >>> i agree with some aspects of your post >>> i like as you mention that atheism spreads by beguiling with the notion of free thought >>> a misleading term >>> and when i first encountered freethought >>> i was bemused to find it was all atheist >>> i was thinking a discussion of science and stuff with mutual respect for religious differences

Why do you think your religious opinions ought to be respected? Do you respect Kim Jong Il's opinion on the best way to lead North Korea? Maybe you need to realize that some of us actually respect people too much to not respect their religious opinions.

Uyi Iredia:

however >>> i don't agree that one has to be religious to be ethical >>> not so >>> at least not the way you imply

Damn right. I'll go further to say ethical in the reasonable sense.

thehomer:

Why do you think your religious opinions ought to be respected?*1  Do you respect Kim Jong Il's opinion on the best way to lead North Korea? *2 Maybe you need to realize that some of us actually respect people too much to not respect their religious opinions.*3

Damn right. I'll go further to say ethical in the reasonable sense.*4

*1 >>> b'cos no matter how ludicrous a school of thought is or seems >>> there is wisdom to be found in it >>> this is part of why i chose to take up the subject of Atheism >>> of course, as against the tendency of Christians to ignore atheism (and vice-versa) >>> it is a lesson i learn by the day *evidenced by how I thought all Satanists worship Satan till i chanced Ogaga_i was obviously mistaken about Satanism* >>>

"Eccentricity and Eclecticism are essential to sagacity"  *Sagamite will like this  *
- Uyi Iredia

of course now that you are asking for evidence at our 'rendezvous' >>> i have to start googling science and stuff >>> as if the lectures i have aren't enough

*2 >>> i'll check it out >>> maybe he has some valid points >>> but i will tell you this >>> i do not think Hitler, Stalin and the Khmer Rouge regimes were absolutely evil >>> they did have lofty aims that were viable >>> they have my respect_especially Hitler

*3 >>> case in point >>> SOME OF US >>> not >>> ALL OF US

>>> what it seems you are trying to say is that >>> because you have a truth to share to people as regards religion >>> you guys do not respect the religious opinions of such people >>> but you respect the people >>> the problem is in doing so you disrespect the people in effect

*4 >>> what do you mean by this >>> u trying to say ethics must never be predicated on a religious belief ? >>> that it must or is on purely rational grounds ? >>> if so that is constrictive

@ OP

I agree with lng.

With this new religion or non-religion of 'morals', who will be the 'MORAL' POLICE? Who decides what is moral and immoral, and on what basis? I like 'free-thought' but I just hate it when someone 'freely' thinks 'penetrating' a 2 year old is a great idea or forcing someone to choose another religion is good too!

thehomer:

Ok.

Can it really be worsened because free thinkers are around? I hope you realize that these fanatics kill any one who does not agree with them. Also, consider the southern parts of Nigeria. Would it not improve things there?

Ok.

Ok I will. But, I'm willing to bet that you are not a religious fundamentalist.

Yeah and I think a dose of secularism and rational thinking will be a good thing. Especially when these people realize that no one group has some sort of monopoly on violence.

*1 >>> in the North yes >>> recall the Miss World fracas >>> innocent people could be killed to blackmail such groups out of existence (could not would) >>> of course the south is a much fertile place for groups like the CFA

*2 >>> suit yourself

*3 >>> i also agree with this but the problem is much tricky in the North >>> courtesy of the great Usman Dan Fodio >>> Islam and socio-cultural vista of the North as so enmeshed one sometimes finds it tricky to draw the line_however it is there >>> maybe just installing internet facilities and introduction to online forums such as Nairaland could be the key

find out why Nigerians should leave Juju alone -- www.thenigerianarchive.

A critical appraisal of the idea of freedom in Bernard Lonergan humanism
http://www.bravoprojecthelp.com/philosophy/a-critical-appraisal-of-the-idea-of-freedom-in-bernard-lonergan-humanism/

I remember the day I went for a public lecture at UNILAG(organized by the Grail Message)!!! I almost vomited that day!!! And I had a headache for 2 weeks!!! These are the "imbecilities" that caused my headache!!!

1.The German Professor(Grail Message), invited from Germany, said and I quote, in front of a crowd of almost 500 black men and women:...................................................." I DO NOT "BELIEVE" IN THE BIG BANG!!!"

2.One of the UNILAG Professors(also Grail Message), said and I quote:......................................................"LET US EXPLORE THE RELIGIOUS BOOK THAT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED TO YOU, RATHER THAN DEPEND ON SCIENTIFIC THEORIES THAT LEAD US NOWHERE!!!"

No wonder the black race is still eating grass and drinking rat poison in the name of religion!!!

Religion in Nigeria: A Philosophical Enquiry

Our focus in this research is on the Relevance of Religion to Nigeria. As a matter of fact this work seeks for a critical and an unprejudiced inquiry into Religion in Nigerian without overlooking its effects on the social well-being of the human person...

http://www.scharticles.com/religion-in-nigeria-a-philosophical-enquiry/