Non-Religious Nigerians Demand Equality, Freedom From Indoctrination, and True Secularism in Schools

Non-Religious Nigerians Demand Equality, Freedom From Indoctrination, and True Secularism in Schools

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International

In a bold and historic gathering at the World Conference of Non-Religious People in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Wednesday, a powerful message resonated through the halls — one of equality, freedom, and a renewed call for the true enforcement of Nigeria’s secular constitution.

The Non-Religious People in Nigeria group, a coalition of freethinkers, humanists, and secular advocates, voiced their demand for full recognition and respect as equal citizens. Their appeal was simple yet profound: that Nigeria must truly uphold both freedom of religion and freedom from religion.

Constitutional Rights and the Call for Equality

Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Obasi Ikechukwu anchored his argument on the solid legal foundations of the Nigerian Constitution. He reminded the audience that Section 38(1) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion — including the right not to belong to any religion at all.

“The persecution of the irreligious is a direct violation of our Constitution,” Ikechukwu declared.

“Every Nigerian has the right to think freely, believe freely, or choose not to believe at all.”

He challenged government institutions to enforce true secularism, asserting that freedom of religion can never be complete unless citizens are equally free from religion.

Voices of the Marginalized

In a heartfelt address, Abraham Daniel painted a vivid picture of what it means to live as a non-religious person in a society deeply steeped in religious identity. His words, filled with emotion, underscored the discrimination, exclusion, and even imprisonment many have faced simply because they chose “reason over religion.”

“Even though Nigeria is a secular nation, that secularism exists only on paper,” Daniel lamented.

“Many of our people have suffered — some jailed, others silenced — simply because they refused to conform.”

He called on Nigerians to see non-religious individuals not as outsiders but as human beings deserving of dignity and mutual respect.

“To be non-religious is not to be immoral,” he said. “We love not because a holy book commands it, but because our conscience compels it. We love because we are human.”

Education and the Battle Against Indoctrination

The highlight of the conference came from Genesis Eririoma, whose presentation titled “How Nigeria’s Educational System Promotes Inequality Against Non-Religious People and the Role of Critical Thinking in Building a Freer Society” sparked deep reflection.

Eririoma criticised Nigeria’s education system for perpetuating religious indoctrination while suppressing independent thought.

“Our schools reward memorisation, not reasoning. They teach what to think, not how to think,” he stated.

He advocated for the inclusion of Critical Thinking, Ethics, and Debate in Nigeria’s education curriculum, insisting that such subjects would liberate young minds and prepare them for a society that values logic, empathy, and coexistence.

Eririoma also announced his forthcoming book, Critical Thinking for Secondary Schools, which he said would help both students and teachers develop analytical and reasoning skills necessary for a balanced worldview.

“Critical thinking is not anti-religion,” he added, “it is pro-reason. Education should liberate minds, not conform them.”

A New Dawn for Freedom and Human Dignity

The conference concluded with a unified declaration — a resounding call for the Nigerian government and its citizens to recognise non-religious individuals as an integral part of the nation’s social fabric.

Participants reaffirmed that true freedom of religion cannot exist without the right to freedom from religion. They called for an end to systemic discrimination, urging policymakers and educators to uphold the secular spirit embedded in the Nigerian Constitution.

In the words of one participant:

“The goal is simple — to defend freedom, to protect thought, and to build a Nigeria where diversity of belief or non-belief is not just tolerated but respected.”

This landmark event marked a significant step toward a more inclusive and rational Nigeria — one where faith, reason, and freedom can coexist without fear or prejudice.

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Source: Sahara Reporters
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Publisher: Global Egberi Media International

Tags: #FreedomOfReligion #NigeriaSecularism #HumanRights #EducationReform #CriticalThinking

Facebook Caption:
🗣️ Breaking Thought Barriers!
At the World Conference of Non-Religious People in Nigeria, freethinkers, humanists, and advocates for reason demand equality, freedom from indoctrination, and a secular Nigeria where everyone — believer or not — is respected.
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