The Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Nigeria’s Taraba State has announced plans to engage in dialogue with the state government to reclaim schools formerly managed by the Catholic Church but now under government control. The announcement was made following the diocese’s second General Assembly, held from March 24 to 28 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
In a statement issued on April 9, Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein said the diocese would also seek government support for existing schools. “We will pursue the return of our schools from government control and seek its support for the ones already functioning,” he stated.
Bishop Nzukwein, the first bishop of the diocese established by Pope Francis in December 2022, emphasized that the diocese will explore all possible funding avenues — from the government, private partners, and local resources — to support a sustainable and holistic education system. He urged parishes and pastoral areas to use their limited resources to establish schools and create partnerships with Taraba State’s education authorities.
The 55-year-old bishop also announced the introduction of peace education in all Catholic schools as a tool to foster peaceful coexistence and reduce violence among students. “We will implement peace and security education in all our schools,” he said, stressing that children will be taught to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding as foundations for conflict resolution and social harmony.
To complement academic programs, extracurricular activities — including sports and cultural events — will be promoted in Catholic schools to enhance peace and unity. The diocese also plans to train experts in conflict management, particularly to address intra- and inter-tribal tensions and ethnoreligious conflicts rooted in identity, religion, or culture.
Bishop Nzukwein highlighted the need for professional school leadership, ensuring that all school heads are trained educators familiar with both national and Catholic educational policies. Oversight and quality assurance will be handled by the Diocesan Education Council and the Education Commission.
In the area of youth pastoral care, the bishop announced plans to strengthen chaplaincies of the Holy Childhood Association (HCA), the Young Catholic Students (YCS), and the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) across all schools in the diocese.
He concluded by invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the successful implementation of the resolutions adopted during the assembly, held under the theme: “The Church of the Diocese of Wukari: For a Holistic and Sustainable Education in Taraba State.”
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