The Department of Religious and Cultural Studies at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State has hosted its Maiden National Conference on “Religion, Politics and Development in the 21st Century Nigeria” from July 27th to 29th, 2026.
In his address, the Head of Department, Prof. Obodoegbulam Agi Otto, said the University serves as a melting point for knowledge generation and that the conference was aimed at bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds to ventilate issues that agitate the minds of Nigerians.
Prof. Otto stated that the conference is intended to provide essential service for the development of both the nation and humanity, noting that without overstating the obvious, religion, politics and national development are like conjoined twins and that, “it is not easy to separate religion from politics and vice versa.”
He added that religion provides the moral basis for societal development while politics denotes the standard of religious practice. “In some other countries, politics denominates the standard of religious practice to bring it in line with national aspiration.”
The HOD further disclosed that the 3-day conference has featured well-researched papers by the speakers and participants, aiming to build a better Nigeria ahead of 2027.
However, Prof Otto commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku represented by the former Dean of the department, Prof Kingdom Orji for graciously approving the maiden conference.
He also appreciated the Dean, Prof Maduako for her support as well as the the keynote Speaker, Prof Agha Eresia and others, who have contributed to the successful conference.
Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako warned against political manipulation of religion, saying it erodes trust and hinders national development.
Prof. Ken-Maduako gave the warning on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 during her good will message at the maiden 2026 Annual Conference of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, held at the Post Graduate School Hall of the university.
The Dean said the theme was topical because Nigeria is a highly religious nation, where the people are deeply steeped in Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion.
She stated that while the 1999 Constitution declares Nigeria a secular state, religious identity and ideologies are “inextricably linked with political power, national goodwill, resource allocation and resource control.”
Prof. Ken-Maduako listed the negative effects of religion on national development when manipulated by politicians to include: erosion of trust, relegating meritocracy, increase in extremist tendencies, marginalization of minor religious sects, and prioritization of religious identities over competence.
“In other words, what could have been a facilitating force for national cohesion and development is transformed into an impediment that has hindered all forms of national development,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to God and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Okechukwu Onuchuku, for supporting the conference, describing it as the first of its kind in the University.
By Ben Owen Asuk
