Towards Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria: Religious Education as a Tool

Abstract

Religion is as old as man itself; it entrenches the totality of man to keep the tenets and teaches men to live at peace with one another and disassociate with corruption and greed. This research work argues that religion can be used for peace and also be used for selfish interest. The paper revealed that, the prominence of religious education will instill values and high morals on the citizenry to bring aboutexpected sustainable development. The principal religions recognised in Nigeria are Islam, Christianity, andAfrican Traditional Religion. Each of these has deep roles to play in enhancing peace, and sustainable development. It concludes that, the role of religious education to peace, security and sustainable development in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. The Federal Government of Nigeria, down to the local government owes it a duty to re-introduce theteaching and learning of religious education in Nigerian schools and make it compulsory for all students.However, religious sentiments should be stamped out and proper tenets of religions should be taught and practiced.The paper therefore recommends that, religion as a subject should be made compulsory for students at alllevels of the educational system right from the primary up to the tertiary level.