A former lecturer in the Department of Religions, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Oba Abdulazeez Agboola Adeshina, has ranked the Department as the best in Nigeria, saying that its quality lecturers, teaching, and graduates are great assets to the University.
Oba Adeshina, who is the traditional ruler of Agbeku in Ifelodun Local Government area in Kwara State stated this last Tuesday (February 18, 2025) while featuring on a popular UNILORIN FM Yoruba programme, titled “Oro to n lo”, anchored by the Station Manager, Mr Idris Alooma.
Oba Adeshina urged students and graduates of the University of Ilorin to be good ambassadors of the institution. He also emphasised the importance of religious tolerance, citing the need for leaders of different faiths to learn from one another. He pointed out that religion should be a unifying force, rather than a source of division.
While expressing belief that religion can play a vital role in shaping a better society, the royal father called for the use of religion to address Nigeria’s problems, such as corruption, kidnapping, terrorism, and hooliganism. He said, “By promoting virtues like good behaviour, sympathy, empathy, cheerful giving, faithfulness, and fear of God, religious leaders can contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Oba Adeshina further suggested that religious education should be made compulsory from primary school to university level, saying that this will help to create a more harmonious and enlightened society.
The monarch noted that the University of Ilorin community is proud to be recognised for its excellence in religious education, its commitment to academic excellence and national development.
Oba Adeshina also emphasised the importance of traditional rulers in the country’s political equation, citing their proximity to the people and their potential to promote indigenous languages and cultures.
He pointed out that traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture but also educated individuals who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
In addition, Oba Adeshina highlighted the need to upgrade and preserve Nigeria’s tourist centres to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage. He cited the example of Agbeku, where a 20-kilometer-long pit, similar to a tunnel, exists, adding that plans are underway to turn it to a tunnel to boost tourism and the economy of the area.
