Nigerian Father in Poland Chooses Secular Upbringing for Children
A Nigerian man residing in Poland has sparked significant discussion online after revealing that his children have no knowledge of religious figures like Jesus, Mohammed, God, or Allah. Ewa LS Ekuma, the individual at the center of this conversation, shared his unconventional parenting approach on social media, explaining his deliberate decision to shield his offspring from religious studies.
Deliberate Removal from Religious Education
In a Facebook post dated January 18, Ekuma disclosed that he formally withdrew his children from all religious instruction in their schools. He emphasized that despite this absence of religious exposure, his children exhibit exemplary behavior and discipline. The father articulated a clear philosophy behind this choice, stating that for Africa to experience genuine growth, the continent must prioritize raising critical thinkers rather than God-fearing individuals.
"My kids don’t know who is Jesus, Mohamed, God or Allah. And yet they are well behaved and disciplined. I signed them off from any kind of religious studies in their schools," Ekuma wrote in his viral post. He further elaborated, "For Africa to GROW. We need to start producing critical thinking kids and not God fearing children. For this is the era of knowing and not believing."
Mixed Reactions from Online Community
The post generated a wide spectrum of responses, reflecting deep divisions on the role of religion in child development and education. Supporters praised Ekuma's stance, viewing it as a progressive step toward intellectual freedom.
James Stinson commented, "This is surely the only way to free us from religious fear and indoctrination by preventing our children from being subjected to it." Similarly, Njoki Wa Ndiritu Njoki agreed, stating, "Yes, true in fact religious education is part of programming and it should be abolished in schools."
However, critics expressed concern about the potential spiritual void and the children's future curiosity. Olusegun Irein argued, "Are you sure? Nature abhors vacuum. You either serve God or mammon. Choose you between life and death. You can be neutral. By your choice alone you have shown alignment, and alas, divine wisdom is not factored. A word is enough for wise." Another user, Yvette Mutima, warned, "There's a difference between beliefs and religions and when you will meet Jesus christ you will change your mindset 100%."
Broader Context of Religious Renunciation
This incident is not isolated within Nigerian discourse. Recently, there have been reports of individuals, including a pastor's daughter, publicly renouncing Christianity. The daughter described her strict religious upbringing as fostering rigid thinking and a lack of emotional intelligence, ultimately leading her to view Christianity as a tool that encourages surrender to external forces. These narratives highlight a growing, albeit controversial, movement questioning traditional religious frameworks in favor of secular or critical perspectives.
The debate ignited by Ekuma's post touches on fundamental questions about education, cultural identity, and the path to development for African nations. It underscores the tension between preserving religious heritage and embracing secular, rationalist approaches in a globalized world. As such discussions continue, they challenge long-held norms and invite reflection on how best to prepare future generations for the complexities of the modern era.
