The Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS) has said the National Universities Commission (NUC) lacks the power to regulate the activities of theology universities, which are not secular but faith-based.
The association also said it opposed the Bill for the creation of a National Centre for Christian Education (NCCE) currently before the National Assembly.
ACTS National President, Prof. Olakunle Macaulay, said the NUC should stay away from religious matters, especially the commission’s plan to regulate church work and accredit Bible and theological institutions.
Macaulay, who is a nephew of foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, picked holes in the Bill for the creation of NCCE, which has passed the second reading at the National Assembly.
He said: “It is a pity that the subject of accreditation of Christian and theological education by the secular government of Nigeria and its agents has again become the focus of our attention and discussion.
“Information reaching us confirmed that the Bill has passed through its second reading.
“Without considering the secularity of the nation, the experience of the church in the hands of some religious extremists and the threats of some agents of the secular government to bible colleges, their founders and proprietors, these people are demanding for the interference of secular government in the Christian faith.
“The Bill demands that the President of a secular nation should establish a council that will regulate religious knowledge, Christian teachers, theological education and profession. Moreover, this should be funded by the secular government under the Ministry of Education, which has no statutory authority to control theological education.
“The law of the Nigerian states clearly allows the freedom of religion and forbids interference of any government (state or federal) in any faith.
“Politicians should stay away from discussing and making laws that will control, assess and certify church work and workers and concentrate on the social and economic affairs of the nation.
“Bible college products are the church and Christian workers.”
