A student of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Endurance Dennis, has publicly apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the university chaplaincy, and the general public following criticism of her outfit during the school’s recently held Costume Day celebration.
The student had dressed in an outfit resembling that of a Catholic nun, sparking outrage among members of the Christian community who described the attire as disrespectful and offensive to their faith. Many argued that such sacred symbols should not be used for casual or entertainment purposes.
The matter gained traction after photographs from the event surfaced online, generating a wave of reactions across social media platforms. While some commenters defended her right to creative expression, others condemned the act as insensitive and called for greater awareness about the boundaries of religious representation.
In a heartfelt Facebook post that has since gone viral, Dennis admitted that her choice of costume stemmed from ignorance rather than deliberate provocation. She explained that she had initially viewed the outfit as harmless fun, unaware of the deep religious and cultural significance attached to it.
“I have come to understand that what I wore touched on matters that are sacred to many, and I sincerely regret the hurt it caused,” she wrote. “It was never my intention to mock, insult, or ridicule any religion or religious order.”
The student also expressed appreciation to those who reached out to her with understanding rather than condemnation, saying their responses helped her reflect on the importance of respecting religious sensitivities in diverse communities.
“I am grateful to those who corrected me in love rather than anger,” she said. “Your words have taught me that freedom of expression comes with responsibility, and I promise to be more considerate in my actions moving forward.”
While the university has not issued an official statement regarding the matter, sources within the institution described the apology as a welcome gesture that could help ease tensions and foster better understanding among students of different faiths.
The controversy has since sparked broader discussions about religious tolerance, creative expression, and student conduct within tertiary institutions. Education stakeholders have emphasized the need for cultural and religious sensitivity during school events to maintain harmony in multi-faith environments.
Observers also noted that the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for belief systems, particularly in academic spaces where diversity and mutual respect remain central to learning and coexistence.
