A Nigerian father living abroad has ignited a significant conversation about parenting, faith, and education after publicly declaring he is raising his children without any religious influence.
A Father's Declaration on Social Media
Ewa Ekuma, a Nigeria-born man now based in Poland, made his stance clear in a detailed Facebook post on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The father of four revealed that he has consciously decided to exclude religious instruction from his children's upbringing. He stated that his kids are unaware of figures like Jesus, Mohammed, God, or Allah.
Despite this absence of religious foundation, Ekuma emphasized that his children exhibit good behavior and discipline. To solidify this approach, he took the formal step of opting them out of all religious studies offered at their schools.
The Call for Critical Thinkers Over Believers
Ekuma connected his personal parenting choice to a broader vision for societal progress, particularly in Africa. His post argued that for the continent to experience genuine growth, it must prioritize raising generations skilled in critical thinking rather than producing "God-fearing children."
He framed his argument around the needs of the modern era, writing, "For this is the era of knowing and not believing." This statement positions empirical knowledge and reasoned inquiry above faith-based belief systems as the essential tools for future development.
Reactions and the Secular Parenting Debate
While the original report by Linda Ikeji on January 19, 2026, highlighted the post, it did not detail public reaction. However, such a declaration invariably touches deep cultural and spiritual nerves, especially within Nigerian society where religion often plays a central role in family and community life.
Ekuma's experience raises several poignant questions for a global Nigerian diaspora and families at home:
- Can morality and discipline exist independently of religious teaching?
- What is the role of schools in providing or excluding religious education?
- How does secular parenting function within traditionally religious cultural contexts?
By sharing his family's journey, Ewa Ekuma has placed himself at the center of an ongoing international debate about secularism, parenting philosophies, and the future of education in evolving societies.
