The Challenges of Teaching and Learning Sociology of Religion in Nigeria

Abstract

The teaching and learning of Sociology of Religion in Nigeria face somegrave challenges. As an academic discipline in religious studies, many whoteach this specialized discipline are not experts. This makes Sociology ofReligion anybody’s game which does not promote sound scholarship,creativity and intellectual stimulation in the teaching and learning of thediscipline. Similarly, the study of the whole society from the perspective ofreligion calls for a disciplined study, comparable knowledge and systematicrelationships between the various groups and their effects on institutions inNigeria. It is the purpose of this paper to identify the challenges, analyzethem and suggest functional ways of re-positioning and improving theteaching and learning of Sociology of Religion. The practical involvement ofreligion in societal functions is open to the complementary role of primaryand sociological approaches. Sociology of Religion has a clear scope,scientific methodology and identifiable challenges such as lack of specialists, basic texts, instructional materials, and funds. However, proper training,registration and membership of the proposed National Association of Sociologists of Religion (NASOR), floating and subscribing to the Journal of Sociology of Religion and dialogue are brief statements of recommendation aimed at improving the teaching and learning of Sociology of Religion in Nigeria.