Photos: Taraba University Student Apologises to Catholic Diocese Over Controversial Nun Costume

A student of Taraba State University, Endurance Achikare Igbagri, has publicly apologised to the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo and the Christian community following criticism over a controversial outfit she wore during the school’s recent Costume Day celebration.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed Igbagri and other students dressed in clothing resembling the habits of Catholic nuns and the robes of priests. The display was widely condemned by Catholic faithful, who described it as disrespectful to the Church and its sacred symbols.

In a letter titled *“Formal Apology for the Abuse and Misuse of Church Attire,”* addressed to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, Reverend Fathers, Catholic faithful, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Igbagri expressed deep regret for her actions. She described them as deeply thoughtless, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable.

“I write to you today with a profound sense of regret and humility to offer my sincere apology for my recent actions involving the inappropriate use and abuse of attire sacred to the Catholic Church,” she wrote. “I am fully aware that images of my disrespectful act have been circulated widely on social media, causing scandal and offence to the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, the wider Catholic community, and all those who hold the sanctity of the Church and its traditions dear.”

Igbagri acknowledged that the attire she wore was not a mere costume but a sacred symbol of the Church’s ministry and spiritual heritage. She admitted that by treating it otherwise, she had offended the religious sensibilities of many people.

Taking full responsibility for her actions, she apologised for the distress caused and thanked those who corrected her with understanding. She pledged to learn from the incident and to conduct herself with greater reverence and respect for all religious symbols and institutions in the future.