Religion, Education and the Well-Being of Citizens of Nigeria

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors argue that the well-being of Nigerians has been threatened and that there are even further threats to their well-being. Many of these threats have their roots in religion as apprehended and practiced by fundamentalists; individuals and groups that are stressed, disoriented, and are trying to grab power and fortune in the name of religion. They examine the phenomenon of religion, and explore the spread of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria, the current map of religious inclinations in the country, and the role of the state in religion. Further, the authors examine the spread of Islamic and Western forms of Education in Nigeria, the role of British colonial administrators in the processes, the predominance of Western Education, and the key explanations Nigerian scholars have proffered for the motive and actions of key actors in these processes. The authors explore how the information, maps and arguments already laid out, then set the stage for some of the challenges to Nigerians’ well-being today. In particular, they examine the kinds of violence Nigerians mete out to one another in the name of religion, and the uncomplimentary roles of religious and political leaders, in the state of affairs. Finally, the authors posit that state actors will do well to keep religion away from state affairs, the public space. Government officials in the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government should provide good governance and a working economy, so that Nigerians would be less fearful.