Department of Religion and Cultural Studies holds 1st Home-coming
The Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka recently held her 1st Home-coming Ceremony with a theme: “Religion and Society: Issues and Trends in National Development in the 21st Century”, at the Continuing Education Centre (C.E.C) Niger Hall, UNN.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo, represented by the Dean, School of Postgraduate School, Prof. Polycap Chigbu in his address, commended the Department for producing many eminent persons in different walks of life both within and outside the country. He noted that the current acting Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Sunday Onyebuchi and the UNN, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Malachy I. Okwueze were products of the Department.
He added that apart from those in the political realm, products of the Department were in various leadership positions in the church serving as; Archbishops, Bishops, General Overseers and Superintendents.
Prof Okolo revealed that the theme of the Home-coming event was apt and germane considering the current religious imbroglio that the society is experiencing today.
Speaking at the occasion, the Ag. Head, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Rev. Dr. Ezichi Anya Ituma, who was elated, said that the essence of the home-coming was to integrate with her alumni and celebrate those who have made the Department proud by bringing about positive change to the society as well as honour them for their excellent contributions towards the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Nigerian society through religious tolerance.
He added that the Department had observed that many of her graduates were doing well in the promotion of peace and tolerance, without necessarily softening the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, the first black Head of the Department, Venerable Prof. Edmund Ilogu, in his lecture titled “The Interface between Religion and Secularity” disclosed that “there is close interaction between religion and the secular society, which in part stems from the origin of concept of religion and the practice of it”. He added that in many African communities, religion grew out of the concerns of the people about the welfare and the future of their community as well as the well-being of their children.
However, he pointed out that traditional society exhibits unity in the expression of its political, economic and cultural life with religion and morality as the unifying factor. He added that while inspiration comes from religious faith, life through the exercise of conviction of spirituality goes into the service of humanity.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of award to 25 distinguished alumni such as the current acting Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Sunday Onyebuchi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Nigeria, Prof. Malachy I. Ukwueze, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNN, Prof. Christopher O. T. Ugwu, Bishop of Nsukka Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev Aloysius Eze Agbo, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka and Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Ekwunife among others The award was in recognition of their contribution to the development of the church and the society.
Olanrewaju Ajala
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