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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the opportunities and challenges of integrating religious studies into secular secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify the benefits and challenges of teaching religious studies in secular schools, and to make recommendations for how the integration of religious studies can be improved. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The instrument used in generating data for the study was close- ended questionnaire. The population of the study comprised of Ten thousand two hundred and fifty students (10,250) in twenty five (25) secondary secular schools in Egor local government Area of Efo state. The questionnaire was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts in measurement and evaluation. The data generated for the study was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics (tables and percentage). The study found that there are a number of perceived benefits of integrating religious studies in secular schools. Religious studies can help students develop a better understanding of different religions and cultures, and it can also help them to develop critical thinking skills and empathy. Religious studies promotes interfaith dialogue among students and that the curriculum can be developed that is inclusive of diverse religious beliefs while maintaining the secular nature of the educational system while also maintaining cultural understanding among students with diverse religious backgrounds. The study makes a number of recommendations for how the integration of religious studies into secular secondary schools can be improved and they include; Developing clear guidelines for the teaching of religious studies in secular schools,providing training for teachers on how to teach religious studies in a fair and unbiased way,ensuring that there is a variety of religious perspectives represented in the curriculum.
