Alamu canvasses ‘Medina Charter’ for Nigerians’ peaceful co-existence

By Abubakar Imam

For an enduring peaceful coexistence among all religious groups and ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, the Head of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Prof. Akiti Glory Alamu, has recommended the adoption of the principles enunciated in the historic Medina Charter drawn up and implemented by Prophet Muhammad following his settlement in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Prof. Alamu stated this last Thursday (July 23, 2026) while delivering the 304th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, “The Six Blind Men And The Nigerian Elephant”, at the University Auditorium.

The Inaugural Lecturer, who is an expert in Comparative Religious Studies, described the Charter as a framework for peaceful relationship and conflict resolutions between Muslims and non-muslims.

He stated that the Charter establishes mutual rights and responsibilities as he said that its adoption would encourage cooperation among adherents of different faiths on national issues while allowing citizens to maintain their distinct religious identities.

Prof. Alamu, who also bemoaned the insincerity of the nation’s political class, urged politicians across all political   divides to stop invoking the name of God in their contestation for power.

The don noted that it has become a common practice among Nigerian politicians to say that “God will choose leaders for us; God will intervene during this election and we should pray for good leaders”, saying that”both theologians and democrats should excuse God from the Nigerian political process because He does not intrude in politics”.

Prof. Alamu equally urged religious leaders and other stakeholders to ensure better enlightenment for their followers to appreciate the essence of their various faiths, pointing out that “across major world religions, enlightenment is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice”.

He explained that enlightenment represents how a person sees himself, the world and the divine. He added that the quest for knowledge will help individuals to navigate the challenges of life.

The Inaugural Lecturer also urged every religious stakeholder and governmental functionary not to take  religion into public offices, schools, and political decision-making. He said that for peace and understanding to reign, religion should be seen and taken as a private matter.

He also urged  stakeholders to engage in true inter-religious dialogue, explaining that genuine dialogue is an indispensable tool for bridge-building, promotion of mutual respect and ultimate enhancement of peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.

Prof. Alamu criticised the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for poor performance, noting that it has not achieved much since its establishment.

For the Council to achieve its objectives, Prof. Alamu said that government should empower it with all constitutional authority and political will to execute its affairs to the fullest.

Prof. Alamu also appealed to Nigerians  to learn how to pursue  peace with all men, stay together and celebrate together without crises or conflicts. He urged Nigerians to emulate what is happening In Turkey, Pakistan and some Arabian countries where Mosques and Temples co-exist.

He explained that this disposition can promote global peace by uniting faiths and ensuring reciprocal understanding, acceptance and tolerance amongst disparate religious communities as it is breaking down the walls of divisions and barriers.

The Inaugural Lecturer also urged security agencies to work in synergy with local situation, alongside the use of sophisticated Information Technology. He assured all that success will be achieved by government and local collaboration.

All the religions practised in Nigeria, according to Prof. Alamu, should unequivocally subscribe to the golden rule, which emphasises that everyone should do to others what he wants them to do to him. He said that every religion encourages this disposition.

Prof. Alamu said that these religions should promote social interactions and corporate existence as there is no individualism in Nigeria.

The Inaugural Lecture, which was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, also attracted Principal Officers of the University as well as friends, relations, colleagues and students of Prof. Alamu from far and near.