By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has attributed the rise of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state to improper religious teaching, which he believes has fostered primitive and divisive attitudes within society. Zulum made this statement at a summit focused on reforming the Almajiri Education System in Borno on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, pointing to a need for a robust restructuring of religious education to curb extremism.
He emphasized that the summit’s primary goal is to address the adverse effects of the Almajiri system, a traditional method of Islamic learning prevalent across northern Nigeria, which has suffered from a lack of proper oversight and educational balance. To reform this system, the Borno State Government established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, introducing a unified curriculum that includes Western education, vocational training, and basic literacy and numeracy skills alongside Islamic studies. This change, he asserted, is crucial to redirect young minds from extremist teachings to pathways of understanding and productivity.
“The Sangaya Reform is a great development and will give Almajiri a better chance in life,” Zulum stated. This reform echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 4:7 in the Bible: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Likewise, the Qur’an encourages the pursuit of knowledge, asking, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9). These calls for wisdom in both texts underscore the importance of sound teaching as an antidote to ignorance and extremism.
Religious extremists who kill in the name of their faith should be asked where Almighty God instructs Muslims or Christians to take the lives of those who do not share their beliefs. Does not the Bible ask, ‘Thou shalt not kill?’ (Exodus 20:13)? And does the Qur’an not state, ‘Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely’ (Qur’an 5:32)? Where is the command to abandon mercy and justice, values central to both faiths?
This suggests that those who commit such acts do so because of improper teachings they received from fanatic and unqualified religious scholars or teachers.
As a Muslim who understands the correct doctrine and as someone with Christian friends who also adhere to the true teachings of Christianity, I believe it is important to expand Professor Zulum’s call for reform in Islamic religious education beyond the borders of Borno. This call should be embraced as a national initiative, one that addresses the need for proper religious education across Nigeria, regardless of faith.
Governor Zulum’s concerns extend beyond northern Nigeria. Across the country, shallow and divisive teachings, often spread through social media by inexperienced preachers, are driving intolerance and societal rifts, especially among youth. These preachers, who lack a solid foundation in religious teachings, use their platforms to incite division, contrary to fundamental religious values. This trend defies Mark 12:31, which commands believers to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Similarly, the Qur’an calls for righteous speech, asking, “And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, ‘Indeed, I am of the Muslims’?” (Qur’an 41:33). Proper religious teachings, rather than shallow, divisive messages, should promote unity and tolerance.
For generations, Nigerians have celebrated their diversity by sharing in each other’s religious festivals and enjoying the blessings of harmony. The teaching in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” reflects this longstanding unity. The Qur’an likewise promotes understanding across communities, asking, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (Qur’an 49:13). Yet, due to improper religious teaching, some individuals have become entangled in messages that foster suspicion and division rather than respect and mutual understanding.
This need for unity is underscored by the teachings of both Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory and Archbishop Benson Idahosa, two respected religious leaders whose legacies have profoundly shaped communities through the promotion of peace and understanding.
Sheikh Al-Ilory, a revered Islamic scholar, established Markaz Agege in Lagos, which continues to advocate for humility, respect for other faiths, and the oneness of Allah. His teachings embody the message in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” as well as the Qur’an’s call for resolution in times of disagreement, “And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger” (Qur’an 4:59).
Similarly, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a prominent Christian leader from the 1970s through the early 1990s, preached a gospel of love, inclusivity, and mutual respect, which spread across Nigeria and Africa. His ministry, which emphasized community building and peace, aligned with Philippians 2:4’s teaching: “Do not merely look out for your interests, but also for the interests of others.” His efforts to bridge religious divides mirrored the Qur’an’s appeal for fairness: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness” (Qur’an 5:8). Together, Idahosa and Al-Ilory exemplified the role of sound religious teaching in promoting harmony across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Zulum’s remarks are a timely reminder of a shift that began in the early 2000s, as fanaticism started gaining traction in both Christian and Muslim communities, fueled by misinterpretations of sacred texts. This misguidance has led some to assert that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God, despite a history of mutual respect between the communities. This viewpoint, rooted in improper teaching, directly contradicts the values of mutual care outlined in both the Bible and Qur’an, advocating fairness, compassion, and respect for others’ beliefs.
On social media, a platform with vast influence, improper religious teachings continue to escalate divisions. Some young Muslim preachers advise followers against eating food prepared by Christians during Christmas, while certain Christian leaders discourage their congregations from accepting food from Muslims during Eid. Such attitudes oppose Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The Qur’an, similarly, advocates unity and fellowship, asking, “Why do you prohibit what Allah has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives?” (Qur’an 66:1). These messages of inclusion remind us that food, friendship, and forgiveness are bridges that connect people, not barriers for division.
The legacies of Idahosa and Al-Ilory remind us of an era when proper religious teachings promoted love, respect, and unity across Nigeria’s religious landscape. Their teachings resonate with Nigeria’s youth, encouraging them to pursue lives founded on respect, knowledge, and peace. As the Qur’an states, “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion” (Qur’an 109:6), while Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” reflects the same principle. Proper religious instruction from trusted, knowledgeable teachers can guide youth away from dangerous ideologies and toward lives of service and mutual respect.
Governor Zulum’s emphasis on reforming religious education must serve as a call to action for Nigeria’s government and religious communities. Tackling the improper religious teaching that has fueled extremist ideology is critical to restoring peace and unity across Nigeria. Nigerians were once celebrated for their warmth, openness, and acceptance. With the guidance of both Islamic and Christian principles, Nigeria can reclaim this spirit of love, respect, and shared wisdom that leaders like Idahosa and Al-Ilory so tirelessly promoted.