The Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam Gang, has called on students across the state to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence beyond religious and cultural differences.
Gang made the call during the Research Validation and Stakeholders Engagement Forum organized by Midpoint Advocacy and Community Development Initiative under the theme of advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Plateau State.
The commissioner was represented by the Director of Quality Assurance in the ministry, Mr. Sabastine John.
Addressing participants at the forum, the commissioner described freedom of religion and belief as a critical foundation for peace, security, and sustainable development, stressing that societies thrive when citizens are free to practice their faith without fear or discrimination.
She noted that schools remain the first environment where children from different religious backgrounds interact and learn to appreciate one another.
“A Muslim child and a Christian child sit side by side, sharing textbooks before they share opinions. The school is where young minds first learn that difference is not danger and belief is not a barrier to belonging,” she said.
According to her, the promotion of religious tolerance among students is essential for building a peaceful society and preventing future conflicts.
“Children learn early that their neighbour’s right to worship is inseparable from their own right to serve God. That lesson, once learned, is powerful,” she stated.
The commissioner explained that the Ministry of Education is strengthening peace education and civic responsibility within schools to ensure students understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities beyond the classroom.
She further emphasized the need for schools to remain safe and inclusive environments where every child is treated with dignity regardless of religious affiliation.
“Our schools must be safe spaces where no child is judged by their name, their prayer, or their parents’ beliefs,” she said.
Gang disclosed that the ministry would continue collaborating with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and women organizations to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen values of tolerance among young people.
She also revealed plans to establish peace clubs in schools to extend the culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding from classrooms into communities across the state.
“Nigeria will not be built by people who think alike. It will be built by people who think differently, believe differently, but are united in purpose,” she added.
The commissioner pledged the ministry’s commitment to translating the findings of the FoRB research into practical actions that will foster unity, protect human dignity, and strengthen peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.
