Dr. Abdulhameed Badmus-Yusuf of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has called for the reintroduction of religious studies as a core subject in secondary schools to effectively curb moral decadence in the country.

The Doctor of Religious Studies made the call on Friday at a Town Hall meeting held in Ilorin. The event was organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), specifically to combat moral decadence in Kwara State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The don observed that the reintroduction of religious studies would serve as a reactive measure towards combating the lingering problems facing the society.

He drew a comparison to the past: "In those days, Islamic Studies and Christian Studies used to be core subjects in our Secondary School, which were taken by all students across board, either art, science or commercial. But now that these subjects are no longer common, that is why the crime rate is increasing geometrically," he stated.

According to him, these two religions preach and teach the same set of moral values, which hitherto, shaped, guided, modified and reformed the society.

"There is a particular passage in the Holy Quran where Allah emphasises moral values that should be imbibed by every Muslim.

"If you go into the Ten Commandments, there are six set of moral values being taught," Mr Badmus-Yusuf revealed.

Kwara Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in his remarks, charged residents to uphold the values and morals the state was known for, to retain its position as a state of harmony and peace.

The governor, represented by Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, said the state “is not" known for any other thing but peace, knowledge, education and human capital development.

"Our forefathers fought for development, education and progress. They didn't fight just to have power, but to create an enabling environment for us in which we are living in today.

"Presently, we have our eminent personalities, our children and daughters spread across the entire globe making us proud.

"These are the people we want the younger ones to take after to ensure that what we have been enjoying still remains intact," he said.

The NOA Director-General, Mallam Issa Onilu said the meeting was to bring together stakeholders to proffer permanent solution to the moral decadence menace.

The director-general, represented by the Director, Rights, Abuse and Narcotics Department, NOA Headquarters, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, expressed optimism that social vices in the state would be laid to rest after the meeting.

He advocated for positive use of technology and social media for personal development.

IEDPU President, Abdulmumini Abdulmalik said the meeting was meant to restore the values the emirate was known for.

NAN reports that the town hall meeting was preceded by a sensitisation walk against moral decadence.

It will be followed by an empowerment programme for 40 youths who will be trained in soap making and barbing, accompanied with working tools.

NAN also reports that organisations represented in the meeting included; Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Custom Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and students among others.

NAN