Writing by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
A university don, Professor Isiaka Aliagan has stressed the urgent need for the advancement of interfaith understanding and religious tolerance in Nigerian University campuses.
Aliagan, the dean Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Kwara State University, Malete made the call in a paper he presented at the interfaith leadership conference for Students across tertiary institutions in Kwara State, organised by Mohawal Charity Foundation in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He also called for the creation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs or Ministry of Inter-faith Relations manned by trained persons in interfaith relations, to regulate matters of religion and conduct of persons and leaders of religions.
According to him, advancing religious tolerance in the universities campuses requires leadership from university administrations, engagement from students and faculty members, support from religious leaders and communities, and resources from government and other funders.
Professor Aliagan explained that Universities should begin by conducting comprehensive assessments of the current state of interfaith relations on their campuses, identifying both challenges and opportunities.
He said based on these assessments, they should develop strategic plans for interfaith work that include clear goals, timelines, and accountability mechanisms.
“Universities should establish research programmes that examine religious diversity and interfaith relations in Nigerian contexts, generating evidence-based insights that can inform policy and practice.
“This research should be shared widely through conferences, seminars and public engagement,” he said.
Aliagan noted that religious plurality, rather than being a source of strength, has frequently been a cause of tension in Nigeria and of recent has become a subject of international politics that threatened the sovereignty of the nation.
He said sometimes, these tensions from the larger society extend into university campuses.
Aliagan, however, said that Nigerian universities have the potentials to lead the nation toward a more tolerant, peaceful, and prosperous future.
He maintained that advancing interfaith understanding is not just about preventing religious violence, but creating university communities where all students can flourish regardless of their religious identity.
