Experts Advocate Ethical Use of Religion for National Progress

Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi

Experts, students, and public figures on Wednesday, June 10, gathered at the AUD II Lecture Theatre of Obafemi Awolowo University for a Religious Summit organised by the National Association for Students of Religious Studies (NASSORS), where speakers examined the role of religion in national development, politics, and social transformation. The summit, themed “Beyond the Pulpit: Religion, Society and Transformation in a Changing World,” featured lectures by Professor J.K. Ayantayo and Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole.

The programme commenced with opening remarks by the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Professor Abdul-Fatah Kola Makinde. The keynote speakers were subsequently introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, while their biographies were presented by the department’s Vice-President, Miss Winner.

Delivering a lecture titled “Religion as a Tool for National Development,” J.K. Ayantayo described Religious Studies as the critical study of religion, distinguishing it from religious practice.

According to him, religion is a belief system that is cultural, experiential, and rooted in personal conviction rather than coercion.

“Religion is among the most influential institutions in human society,” he said.

He noted that religion occupies a central place in both public and private life in Nigeria, contributing to social cohesion, moral formation, education, healthcare delivery, conflict resolution, and economic transformation.

Professor Ayantayo also outlined what he described as the four Cs of religion: Creed, Code, Cult, and Communion.

He explained that creed refers to a religion’s fundamental belief system, while code represents the rules and regulations guiding the relationship between God and humanity.

According to him, cult reflects the associational and group-oriented nature of religion, while communion refers to communication between God and human beings through prayers, worship, singing, and other forms of religious expression.

The scholar stressed that no religion is superior to another, noting that Christianity, Islam, and African Indigenous Religion all provide avenues for communication between humanity and the divine.

He further emphasised the importance of proper moral upbringing, stating that societal challenges are often linked to failures in training younger generations.

Concluding his lecture, Ayantayo described religion as a powerful social force that can contribute significantly to national development when properly harnessed.

He added that the positive contributions of religion require informed interpretation and responsible academic application, stressing that departments of Religious Studies should be regarded as strategic partners in nation-building rather than peripheral entities.

According to him, promoting peaceful coexistence, nurturing informed citizens, and contributing to policy discourse remain key responsibilities of Religious Studies scholars and practitioners.

During the interactive session that followed, students asked questions on issues relating to religion and society. The event also witnessed a scholarship award to a student, Hassan Ganiyat Olamide, as Professor Ayantayo pledged to support her education until the completion of her university studies.

Speaking on the topic “Religion and Politics in Nigeria: Between Sacred Conviction and Public Responsibility,” Rt. Hon. Ropo Oyewole examined the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria.

He commended NASRS for organising the summit and described the discussion as timely given contemporary religious and political challenges facing the country.

Addressing the students, Oyewole said religion and politics remain inseparable in understanding Nigeria’s social and governance structures.

“You cannot understand politics without understanding religion, and you cannot honestly study religion without confronting politics,” he said.

The former lawmaker traced Nigeria’s origins to the 1914 amalgamation, describing the country as a colonial creation that brought together diverse ethnic and religious communities with different belief systems, traditions, and systems of governance.

He noted that various ethnic groups had established structures of political authority and spiritual organisation before colonial rule, citing examples from Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani societies.

According to him, understanding these historical realities is essential for appreciating the complex relationship between religion, governance, and public responsibility in contemporary Nigeria.

The summit provided a platform for discussions on religion, governance, national development, and social transformation, while encouraging students to engage critically with issues affecting faith and society.