The content of the Christian Religious Studies syllabus in Nigerian secondary schools: a historical perspective on indigenous pastoral theology

Abstract

Christian Religious Studies in Nigeria is almost entirely based on the study of the Bible. This is as a result of the historical foundation of formal education in Africa, and the contribution of missionaries. Though strongly influenced by political and economic factors, African theology has developed from a strong scriptural standpoint. The different approaches to pastoral theology on the continent need more clarity on what the future holds for young people of faith. This research provides that clarity and specifically identifies the present situation of Indigenous pastoral theology (IPT) in Nigeria. The pedagogical option and method used for teaching Christian Religious Education provide an opportunity to understand why there is a lot of emphasis on Christology in secondary schools. Through formal education and a systematic study of academic materials, one can develop a hypothesis for an African theology of Education (ATE) as a sustainable way of contributing to the growth of pastoral theology from a local level.