DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIONS

The aim of this study was to examine the age long practice of denying Esan women the right to inherit from their parents. This practice which is rooted in custom and tradition of the Esan people have resulted in social, economic and political disequilibrium among family members. Parents are abandoned by their rich children in protest of a tradition that denies them the right of inheritance. The objectives of the study were to analyze the geographical location and the world view of the Esan people, examine the phenomenon of inheritance in Esan land as it relates to women, investigate women's rights to inheritance, investigate the root causes of the denial of women’s rights to inheritance in Esan land, bring to the fore the impact of disinheritance on Esan women, identify the similitude of Zelophehad’s daughters in Numbers 27:1-11 with the Esan situation and investigate if Moses’ judgement was a one-off practice or it became the norm in Israel. The study deployed a multidimensional methodological approach. The first is African biblical hermeneutics approach which has to do with the decolonization of biblical studies by putting into consideration African social, cultural, political and economic environment in interpreting biblical text. Another is the exegetical approach of biblical inquiry. This approach, adopts the grammatico- historical analysis of words and clauses in biblical text and applies its findings to a particular context. Additionally, this thesis utilized various secondary materials such as Hebrew dictionaries, lexicons, journal collections, and library resources. Oral interviews were also conducted to get views of the
Esan people on the subject of inheritance. The findings of the research include inter-alia: that the denial of inheritance to women in Esanland is against the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended in section 42 which protects every Nigerian against discrimination. Denial of inheritance to women in Esan is rooted in economic and spiritual matrix. The ancient Israelite society, though patriarchal in nature in an exceptional case gave inheritance of land to Zelophehad daughters; that the analysis of Numbers 27:1-11 is relevant to the Esan context as a model to address women right of inheritance; that there is a similarity between the ancient Israelite custom of inheritance and the Esan people in relation to women; that in the course of this research it was discovered that the beneficiaries of this current system prefer the status quo. While other who are disadvantaged by the system want a change. The research concludes that Esan land faces the problem of implosion if inheritance laws are not amended. Moses’ approach would go a long way in correcting a practice that has become a ticking time bomb in Esanland.

This study titled the "Prospects and Challenges of African Traditional Religion In
The Contemporary Society" was aimed at examining the acknowledgement of
African traditional religion in our contemporary time and society. This has become
necessary due to the various and conflicting teachings on the subject matter. The
method employed was historical and analytical. Data collection was from both
secondary and primary sources which include interviews from some selected
traditional rulers and leaders amongst others. The study revealed the disdainful
societal misconceptions generally associated with the traditional religion in African
which made it to have been forgotten with time, due to its inaccurate ideas and false beliefs. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that there should be a need to investigate and address its concept, thereby finding a way for its possibility to be recognized not only during our contemporary era but also in the
future which may pass through difficult challenges but with the aim of attaining and
achieving a positive goal.

This study critically examines the concept of evil within the framework of Islamic theology and theodicy. It explores how Islam reconciles the existence of evil with belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God (Allah). The research analyzes classical and contemporary Islamic perspectives on moral and natural evil, emphasizing the theological explanations offered by key schools of thought such as the Ashʿarites, Muʿtazilites, and Sufis. Central to the discourse is the Qur’ānic understanding of divine wisdom (ḥikmah), human free will (ikhtiyār), predestination (qadar), and the ultimate purpose of trials and suffering as instruments for moral growth and spiritual purification. By engaging both philosophical reasoning and scriptural exegesis, the work evaluates whether Islamic theodicy provides a coherent and satisfying response to the problem of evil. The study concludes that while Islam does not eliminate the mystery of suffering, it offers a distinctive synthesis that underscores divine justice, human accountability, and eschatological hope.

Igarra traditional Religion and cultural values have undergone significant alterations. The Igarra way of life has been changed by the impacts of modernity. The community spirit, hospitality, and interpersonal relationships that were part of Igarra cultural history and values have been affected. Their ancient religious beliefs and patterns of god and divinity worship have been corrupted. In recent times the situation has changed. This study investigated the influence of Christianity and Western culture on the traditional religion and cultural values of the Igarra people. The best outcome was achieved using a phenomenological research historical approach. The argument made in the study was that the traditional religion of the Igarra and its cultural values had been significantly influenced by Western cultural forces, particularly those related to Christianity, education, and industrialization, to name just a few. This research work proposed, among other things, that Igarra people embrace their cultural history and regard western cultures as an alternative way of life in order to confront and prevent the extinction of Igarra traditional
religion and cultural values.

This study investigates the role of religion in shaping academic performance among students of the University of Benin. Religion is a powerful social institution that influences values, behaviours, and discipline, all of which may have implications for learning outcomes. The research examines how students’ participation in religious activities, such as prayer, fasting, worship, and fellowship, contributes positively or negatively to their academic focus, study habits, and overall performance. It further explores how excessive religious commitments may sometimes compete with academic responsibilities, leading to struggles in time management and concentration. A mixed-method approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather data from students across different faculties of the University. The findings reveal that while religion plays a vital role in promoting discipline, moral conduct, and motivation, excessive involvement in religious programmes can reduce lecture attendance and limit study time. The study concludes that a balance between spiritual commitments and academic responsibilities is essential for academic success.

The Johannine community, a scholarly concept related to the authorship and theology of the Gospel of John, faced numerous crises and challenges that had potential implications for the Nigerian Church. This abstract examines the main crises within the Johannine community and their potential implications for the Nigerian Church, these crisis faced by the Johannine community have implications for the Nigerian Church. The theological and social challenges experienced by the Johannine community mirror some of the persistent issues faced by the Nigerian Church. Understanding these similarities can facilitate dialogue, promote greater understanding, and potentially lead to the resolution of crises within the Nigerian Church. Additionally, it highlights the importance of addressing theological differences, promoting peaceful coexistence within society, and ensuring the religious rights and liberties of minority Christian communities

This work is on the Academic study of Religion in Nigeria : prospect and challenges the aim was to examine Religious studies the aim was to examine Religious studies the aim was to examine Religious studies as an academic discipline in Nigerian universities so as to ascertain some of the prospects and challenges that confront students in this area of study. Empirical and analytical method were employed in this research work and it was revealed among others that graduates of religion studies are not in any way limited in terms of employment or career prospects due to the perceived status of their discipline .The study showed that they can easily function in embassies, ministries Tourism and culture ,Pilgrims Board and so on. One of the recommendations from the study is that parents disarging their wards from studying religions studies due to fear of carrier .prospects or been able to gets suitable Jobs

Drug abuse among youths in Nigeria has been a problem to the youths and the society in General. The consequences of drug abuse are not only on the individual user but also on his or her offspring, family and the society, hence the need for it to be given serious attention. The method adopted for the research is phenomenological. This work is expected to create awareness, expose and provide useful information to people especially to the Nigerian youths on the effects of drug abuse and the challenges for the Nigerian churches towards drug abuse in Nigeria.The researcher dwelt on what the church should do to control or stop drug abuse in Nigeria. If the Nigerian youths should stop abusing drugs, they will be useful to themselves, their families and the society in- general.

The study was carried out to determine “influence of using online materials in teaching Christian religious studies: a case study of the University of Benin. The population of the study consists of one hundred and twenty (120) 400 level religious studies students in faculty education, university of Benin, Edo state. The sampling technique used for this study is simple random sampling technique one hundred (100) 400 level religious studies students in faculty of Education, University of Benin, Edo state respondents were chosen to represent the students’ population. Four research questions were made; What types of online materials are currently being used in the teaching of Christian religious studies at the University of Benin? How do educators perceive the effectiveness of online materials in enhancing student learning experiences in Christian religious studies? What are the challenges associated with integrating online materials into the teaching of Christian religious studies at the University of Benin? What strategies can be implemented to maximize the benefits and address the limitations of using online materials in religious studies education?The findings of the study revealed that; The use of online materials has also been found to improve student retention and recall of CRS concepts. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made; There should be a diverse range of online resources, the University of Benin should provide a diverse range of online resources that cater to different learning styles and needs.

This study assessed the abuse of alcohol in Delta State, Nigeria, and the role of the church in curbing it. The specific objectives were to; ascertain the effect of alcohol abuse among Nigeria youths, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, examine the effect of alcohol abuse on the health of victims and to investigate the role of the church in controlling alcohol abuse in the society. Data for this study we're obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Results shows the percentage of people involved in the abuse of alcoholism high. 60% out of 100% of people are drinking alcohol excessively. The causes of alcohol abuse includes; social factors, psychological factors and biological factors. The effects of alcohol abuse is numerous; these includes drowsiness, cancer in the intestines, blurred or double vision, liver disease. Some solutions to alcohol abuse were home cure remedies, the Keeley Cure, established institutions, pastorial care, Biblical Teachings. This study concluded that the percentage of people abusing alcohol is high. The study therefore recommends that government and private institutions should provide well equipped institutions where alcoholics can go to for help.