MAINTAINING THE RELEVANCE OF CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA: A CLARION CALL OF AN EDUCATIONIST

Abstract

Christianity is very relevant to the development of Nigeria. Virtually all the noted developments in Nigeria have the influence and input of the Christianity. Currently Christianity in Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges as her adversaries have attacked her severely as if she has no relevance on the land. The study adopted historical approach to the study of religion with educational spectrum to address the relevance of Christianity and the expected honour that is due for her. The research work ventured to use written literatures about the history of Christianity in Nigeria at the arrival of selected orthodox denominations were narrated. Historical books, dailies and internet materials were used for the research. It was realised that Christianity has been changing the darkness of places where they moved to but are not currently been given the due regards from other religions who took up challenges as adversaries, Islam is most pronounced amidst others. The study revealed an urgent need for Departments of Religious Studies and in particular, Department of Religious Studies of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, and which specializes in Christian Religious Studies to see to an urgent need to move for the sustainability of Christianity and see a need to convince Christians in Nigeria to maintain relevance of Christianity in Nigeria. The study revealed that some Christians are enemies within, and they are saboteurs who confess Christianity but are acting otherwise. They refuse to act practical Christianity because of money, wealth and positions. Bowing for mammon has made some Christians to lose their control over the dignity of Christianity. Faithful Christians in the Northern, middle belt and other parts of Nigeria are martyr of Christ Jesus. There is need for faithful Christians like scholars of Religious Studies, Ajayi Crowther University Oyo in Nigeria to maintain and promote the relevance of Christianity in the current dispensation by teaching and acting the same as it was at the emergence of the faith in Nigeria.