Education

We’re not involved in purported ‘same-sex marriage’ debate — Education Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Education completely disassociates itself from a recent purported “Same-Sex Marriage” debate organised by the Creative Africa Initiative.

The Ministry has accordingly written the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to order an investigation into the claims.

Director Press and Public Relations Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, in a statement on Monday in Abuja said it has come to the attention of the Ministry that a forged letter, using the Ministry’s letterhead, was issued by
the Creative Africa Initiative.

She noted that this forged document, which proposes a debate on the topic ‘Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria’, has raised serious concerns.

According to the statement, the letter in question features a reference number linked to the now-defunct Basic and Secondary Education Department, which ceased to exist since June 17, 2021.

“Additionally, the letterhead used in the forgery displays an outdated reference number, and the font appears to have been superimposed on old letterhead paper.

“The proposed debate topic is highly sensitive and contrary to the cultural and religious values upheld by the majority of Nigerians, as well as to extant Nigerian laws. The Ministry emphasises that this debate could potentially disrupt public peace and societal norms, leading to unnecessary tension and division.

“Furthermore, the Ministry confirms that the 2024 debate, yet to be implemented by the Senior Secondary Education Department, does not correspond with the content or scheduling referenced in the forged letter, which incorrectly calls for an event in April 2025.

“The Federal Ministry of Education categorically denies any involvement with the Creative Africa Initiative or the purported debate it seeks to promote. We urge all stakeholders to disregard the fake communication and await official announcements from the Ministry regarding future debates and other educational initiatives,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of Education in letter to DSS, a copy of which was sighted by Nigerian Tribune, requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the origin and intentions behind this letter from Creative Africa Initiative.

The letter dated 9th August, 2024 and addressed to Director-General of DSS read: “I write to bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern. It has come to my notice that an organization, Creative Africa Initiative, has issued a letter not originating from the Federal Ministry Education proposing to hold a national debate with the topic: “Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria” (letter attached).

“Given the sensitive nature of this topic, which is not only against the cultural and religious values of the majority of Nigerians but also contravenes existing Nigerian laws. This initiative is capable of causing widespread confusion and potentially inciting unrest within the country.

“The introduction of such a topic into public discourse, especially through a formal debate, may have far-reaching consequences that could disrupt public peace and social cohesion. The debate could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine the laws of Nigeria and destabilize societal norms, thereby causing unnecessary tension and division among the populace.

“In light of the above, I humbly request that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the origin and intentions behind this letter from Creative Africa Initiative. It is crucial to ensure that such activities, which have the potential to incite discord, are thoroughly scrutinized and addressed appropriately.

“I trust that your esteemed office will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation.”

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