Student Christian Movement decry deprivation of religious rights in Nigeria
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Nigeria has lamented the appalling deprivation of the religious rights of Christian Students in the North and across the country.
This outcry was communicated through a communique issued and Signed by the National Secretary, SCM, Mr. Isuosuo Okeoghene and the Chairperson, Communique Committee, Dr. Orekyeh Emeka at the end of her 85th Anniversary and 33rd National Biennial Conference, themed- “Restore: Rebuild, Renew and Restore” drawn from Isaiah 58: 6-12 which was held on 17th – 21st april 2025 in Bariga, lagos state.
Revealing Concerns raised by the Movement on the issue of insecurity, particularly the killing of Christians in Benue and Plateau States, the communique stated, “SCM observes with dismay, the palpable insecurity in Nigeria particularly the unrelenting killings of Nigerians (especially Christians) in Benue and Plateau States. The response of the government, security agencies, organizations and individuals have not been encouraging, to say the least.
“On the issue of one Month Ramadan Fasting/Holiday for both Public and Private Schools in some Northern States, affecting both Muslim and non-Muslim Students. SCM observes with dismay the recent arbitrary closure of public and private schools in some Northern states (e.g. Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano) in the name of Ramadan fasting in a country which is constitutionally a secular state. We respect the rights of our Muslim brothers and sisters to observe their Islamic practices as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“However, we believe it is totally inappropriate, insensitive and a total breach of the constitutional, educational and child rights laws of Christian Students, and is also in violation of the Constitutional principle of secularity of the Nigerian state under Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). In this regard, SCM supports the resolution and position expressed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on this issue” SCM stated.
Moreso, the Movement further touched the Forceful Abduction, Conversion and Marriage of Christian Girls in some Northern States, citing the of abduction, forceful conversion and intended forceful marriage in Niger State of Sister Mary Ishaya to one Bello Shuaibu Nasco as an example. SCM decried that despite reporting this situation to relevant government agencies, nothing was done in that regard.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Denial of Christian Students of their Rights to Peacefully Assemble and Hold Fellowship in Schools, the Movement disclosed that some Secondary and Tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Christian Students are denied the opportunity to peacefully assemble and to practice their faith.
“We believe that this is not in tandem with the laws of our nation, which guarantees the fundamental rights of citizens (including students) to practice their faith anywhere in Nigeria.
“We therefore urge the federal and state governments and the management of educational institutions, to kindly allow Christian students to hold their fellowship meetings in line with guidelines as may be given by the management of schools in compliance with the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In addition, SCM called out on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies to take more decisive actions and be more proactive in securing the lives and properties of ALL Nigerians.
Also, SCM commended the federal government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for articulating and implementing several policies that are supportive of business and youth empowerment, which has seen many youths getting engaged in productive activities by keying into them, citing the Student Loans Scheme which has bailed out many indigent Nigerian students as one of many.
Furthermore, the Movement also commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and all the Church leaders in Nigeria who have been relentless in lending their voices to issues of national importance, and in defense of the Body of Christ.
Review of the origin of the Student Christian Movement of Nigeria: SCM was founded by Dr Francis Akanu Ibiam and Chief Theophilus O. Ejiwumi in 1940 as the Nigerian arm of the World Student Christian Federation (W.S.C.F) based in Geneva, Switzerland. The SCM is a faith-based organization which is ecumenical in outlook and focuses its strengths on the raising of godly youths/students for societal transformation. The Student Christian Movement also works towards building up godly men and women who are at the forefront of dismantling social vices that cripple societal progress.
As a faith-based organization, the SCM seeks to build up the spiritual and physical lives of its members through the application of biblical principles, which enhance moral and social skills. It helps its student members to be academically sound through mentoring. As the youth arm of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), the Student Christian Movement has several strategic partnerships that help it to achieve its goals.
