CAN Petitions Katsina Governor Over Alleged Christian Marginalisation in Scholarship, Pilgrimage Policy

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Katsina State Chapter, has written to the State Governor alleging religious discrimination in a state-sponsored Medicine and Nursing scholarship and in the suspension of sponsorship for Christian pilgrims.

In an open letter dated 1 July 2026, signed by Dr. D.D Musa for CAN Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Shuaibu Liti, the association said the policies appear to breach Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

CAN said the government recently announced forms for a state scholarship to study Medicine and Nursing adding that the stated criteria, it noted, include “Muslims who have recited the Holy Qur’an and possess O’ Level results.”

The group argued that qualified Christian indigenes with strong O’ Level results are excluded from an opportunity funded by state resources to which all citizens contribute.

“Many Christian students with a calling to medicine and nursing feel shut out,” the letter stated.

The association also expressed concern over reports that sponsorship for Christian pilgrims has been stopped, while sponsorship for Muslim pilgrims continues.

It said the differential treatment has “heightened the feeling of marginalisation among Christians in the state.”

Historically, CAN noted, pilgrimage sponsorship in many states has been extended to both faiths as a gesture of inclusivity.

CAN appealed to the Governor to review and expand the scholarship criteria to make the Medicine and Nursing award open to all qualified Katsina indigenes, irrespective of religion, based on merit, need, and academic performance.

The Association also called on the Katsina State Government to restore equity in pilgrimage sponsorship by adopting a balanced policy that sponsors both Christian and Muslim pilgrims, or provides alternative support of equal value to both communities.

CAN said Katsina is known for coexistence, and that transparently addressing the concerns “will strengthen unity, reassure all citizens that they are valued,” and allow government to focus on security, education, and healthcare.

CAN said the letter was written “in the spirit of constructive dialogue” and that it is available for further clarification or engagement.

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