Should public prayers in secondary schools be abolished?

With all the ruckus public prayer and religious-affiliated dressing have caused in some parts of the country in recent times, it has become imperative to look at religion in schools. One of the bedrock of religion is prayer, and in this week’s edition of WhatsApp conversation, we are considering if Public prayers in schools should be abolished:

Ajiboso Oluwatobi

In light of the recent tension it has generated in some parts of the country, it might be worth it, scrapping  prayers and all ensembles of religious activities from schools. The school system has enough to deal with than to have to worry about religious differences. No prayers in school under any circumstances. No compromises. If anyone does not agree with this system, then either homeschool or go back to the country that supports the same values and beliefs as their own, period! Not  allowing children be dismissed from class for even a few minutes to practice their faith either, because ultimately, whether we want to admit it or not, that in itself is a distraction to the students and the teachers. Like I usually say, if they want to practice their faith, go to church or the mosque.

Chosen Femi

Children and young adults should be able to express their religion. Also, they can pray because it’s not against the constitution. Children should be able to pray whenever they want and do whatever kind of religious freedom that they want. Students can pray. Students  should pray. I mean like why not. Really? The nation has a lot of trouble, true! This does not mean prayer should be shelved, if anything, it means prayers should become more of the norm. For those citing differences in religion, if need be, there can be different assemblies holding at the same time to facilitate the expression of religious beliefs and association. Both of which are very constitutional.

Stephen Ajani

The Nigerian constitution states that people have the right to freedom of religion. This means that whether in or out of school, Children have the right to pray, Or the right to any religious activity. This is true, As long as the child is not influencing or trying to convince another of or to believe in a certain religion. Also, teachers and/or school faculty cannot try to influence or convince students to believe in a religion. So, according to the Constitution, children have the right to any religious activity in school. Throwing prayers out would be an infringement on human rights.

Sylvester Divine

While compulsory prayer in schools is not desirable, voluntary prayer, even that which is led by teachers, is desirable because it helps instill moral values in students. No one is forcing a student to participate in prayer, but those who want to pray have the right to do so. To strike a balance, school prayers should be allowed voluntarily, even if it is just an announcement that the school will have a moment of silence and allow students to pray if they desire should be allowed. After all, the constitution gives freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

Hammed Mazeedat

I agree that most students  come to school to learn, not learn about other religious things. But, it shouldn’t be banned in general. Some parents would like for their children  to learn about their religious  beliefs. I understand that school and church and what not are completely different and should not interfere with each other, but if you don’t want to go to a school where they pray, then don’t go. Find a non-religious school and stay there, don’t ruin it for other people that do want to go to a religious school.

Akintoba Olamide

Religious freedom is a right in the  constitution, people can practice their religion whereever and whenever they want as long as they are not hurting anyone. You do not have to believe in anything they believe in, but it doesn’t give anybody the right to take that away from them. In some federal schools, prayers are not said on the assembly ground, they are designated on special days and in the right clusters. If the fear is that students can be influenced into religion, then, this is a model to follow. The atheist can go home, the Christian can go to the chapel, and the Muslim, to the mosque. It doesn’t have to be that tough.

Alexander

If parents want their children to pray they should send them to a church service where it is appropriate. Schools are about education, not religion. Certainly, in state-run schools, any overt display of religion should not be allowed as it does not make provisions for the atheist, Muslim, or traditional students for example. Christians aren’t any more important than members of any other religious group. I would never send my child to a school if they were to be forced to participate in a religious rite.

Next week, the conversation will be on the topic ’ Do you think the harm of climate change has been overexaggerated’ To be part of the next edition, send your response to 08136601345 via WhatsApp or SMS.

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