As Nigeria celebrates the 2024 Isese Day, the Yoruba Council Worldwide has proposed significant changes to the country's education system. In a statement made in Abuja on Tuesday, Oladotun Hassan, President of the Council, called for the integration of African traditional religion into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.
Hassan's remarks came as part of the celebrations marking World Traditional Religion Day, which the United Nations officially recognizes on August 20 each year. Several states in the South West, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun, have declared August 20 a work-free day in honor of the Isese festival.
Hassan emphasized the historical and cultural importance of African traditional religion, noting its foundational role in human practice. He urged for a collaborative effort to incorporate these traditions into nation-building, advocating for the promotion of peace and harmony among Nigeria’s diverse populations.
"We call on the Federal Ministry of Justice and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider nationalizing August 20 as a National Traditional Heritage Holiday. Additionally, we propose the establishment of a National Traditional Religion Commission, akin to the Hajj Commission and the Christian Pilgrims Commission," Hassan stated.
He further highlighted the need for educational reform, proposing the inclusion of African Traditional Religious Studies in the national curriculum. This, he believes, would address the decline of the Omoluabi ethos—a key cultural value in Yoruba society—and contribute to a more inclusive understanding of Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
The Yoruba Council’s proposal reflects a broader push for the recognition and preservation of traditional African practices and underscores the significance of integrating cultural education into the national framework.
