Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): MAAUN International Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Research and Innovations (MIMJRI)
Articles

Religious Education as a Catalyst for peace and Societal Development in Nigeria

Read PDF
  • Sani Mukhtar Muhammad ,
  • Solomon Kyom
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59479/jiaheri.v2i1.140
Categories

Published 03/28/2026

Keywords

  • Education,,
  • Catalyst,,
  • Development,,
  • Religious,,
  • Peace.

How to Cite

Muhammad , S. M., & Kyom, S. (2026). Religious Education as a Catalyst for peace and Societal Development in Nigeria. Journal of Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation (IAHERI), 2(1), 139–151. https://doi.org/10.59479/jiaheri.v2i1.140

Abstract

Religious education has become an increasingly important aspect within the field of sociology and education in recent years. This study examines the role that religious education plays as a panacea for peace and the development of students' beliefs and attitudes towards maintaining harmony in society. The paper is timely and relevant in the context of religious education among various major religious groups and how these groups influence their adherents, either aiding or hindering the development of Nigerian society. It was discovered that certain aspects of religious teachings have a great positive impact on societal cohesion, which leads to development. Recommendations include: religious education should consider the virtue of justice, it should adhere to the demands of rationality, it is expected to be universal, flexible and not myopic, it should be dynamic, and be morally sound and honest so that it will lead to a right conscience rather than a sick conscience. 

Read PDF

References

  1. Adua, S. S. (2012). Religious studies: A tool for national development. Academic Research International, SAVAPInternational. Retrieved August 19, 2019 from www.journals.savap.org.pk
  2. Agunwa, T. V. C. (2017). Religion and economic development in nation building. International Journal of Religionand Human Relations, 9(1), 198-208.
  3. Ajah, M. (2015). Religious education and nation-building in Nigeria. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(2), 263-282.
  4. Azuakor, P. O. (2016). Islamic religion and global peace initiatives in the 21st century. ANSU Journal of Arts &Humanities, 3(3), 59-66.
  5. Azuakor, P. O., & Onebunne, J. I. (2016). Fulani herdsmen rampage in Nigeria: The philosophical, ethnic, and religious undertones. International Journal of Social Science and Sustainable Development, 6(1), 95-101.
  6. Chineke, P. O. (2016). The place of religion in education: A contemporary Nigerian perspective. Cultural andReligious Studies, 4(3), 204-213. https://doi.org/10.17265/2328-2177/2016.03.006
  7. CIA World Factbook (2013). The Religions. Retrieved July 2018 from https://www.cia.gov.library/publications/the"Religions". World Factbook.
  8. Ekeopara, C. A., Ogbonnaya,L.L U. (2014). Traditional ethics and the maintenance of social order in Nigeria society. European Scientific Journal, 10(29), 34-46.
  9. Eluu, P. P. (2016). The role of religion in value education in Nigeria. British Journal of Education, 4(9), 72-77 (SpecialIssue).
  10. Ezeilo, L. N. (2017). Who is poor and why?: Conceptual pluralism approach to poverty in Nigeria. Abuja: GiPi.
  11. http://wje.sciedupress.com World Journal of Education Vol. 9, No. 4; 2019
  12. Published by Sciedu Press 149 ISSN 1925-0746 E-ISSN 1925-0754
  13. Joseph ,C . (2004)Truth and Tolerance; Christian Beliefs and World Religious, an Francisco; Ignitions press,
  14. National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) (2009). Primary four Christian religious education syllabus.Kampala: NCDC.
  15. Noraini, H., & Langgulung, H. (2008). Islamic religious curriculum in Muslim countries: The experiences of Indonesia and Malaysia. Bulletin of Education & Research, 30(1), 1-19. [
  16. Nwosu, O. S. (2004). Morality in Africa traditional society. Retrieved February 17, 2018fromhttps://www.google.com/search?q=ok.+Steve+Nwosu%3A+Morality+in+African+traditional+society&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
  17. Obilom, J. E. C. (1989). Issues and trends on 6:3:3:4 religious education in Nigeria. Jos: Government PresS
  18. Okeke, C. C. (2001). Introduction to social philosophy. Enugu: Academic Publishing Company.
  19. Okoro, K. N. (2010). African traditional education: A viable alternative for peace building process in modern Africa.Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 2(1), 136-159.
  20. Okoye, D. & Pongou, R. (2014). Historical missionary activity, schooling, and the reversal of fortunes: Evidence from Nigeria. Retrieved august, 19, 2019 from https://www.aeaweb.org/conference/2015/retrieve.php?pdfid=874
  21. Okpalike, C. J. B. G., Nwa dialor, K. L. (2015). The contributions of Christian missionaries in building the Nigerian nation, 1840-1960. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 4(2), 159-168.
  22. Onah, N. G. (2017). Religious education, peace, and sustainable development in Nigeria. Afro Asian Journal ofSocial Sciences, 8(3), 1-13.
  23. Onovughe, S., & Mordi, J. F. (2017). Religious education a vital tool for sustainable development in Nigeria. International Journal of Religious and Cultural Practice, 3(1), 12-19.
  24. Sulaiman, K. D. O., & Ojo M. Y. (2012). The roles of religious education peace, security, for national development in Nigeria.Ibadan
  25. Ushe, U.M. 2015. Religious conflicts and education in Nigeria. Implications for National Security. Journal of education and practice. 6(2) PP. 117-129.