THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY ON NIGERIAN STUDENTS: A CONTROVERSIAL DEBATE

Christianity has played a significant role in shaping Nigeria's religious landscape by improving the quality of living inculcating moral values and beliefs on the populace as they engage in religious activities that shapen their mindset thereby making them better citizens of our nation. However, its influence on University students has sparked intense debates, because many have misunderstood it's impact on the student amidst various issues. While some argue that Christianity promotes moral values as many fellowships encourages their members to be of good behaviour, just like the campus pastor of Deeper life Campus fellowship PAUU,who is a prominent lawyer and the dean of law faculty of the great institution always hammer on the fact that a Christian should dress decently and behave well. While on campus Christian students are encouraged to be good representatives of Christ and academic giants in their various fields of study because Christ was not a failure neither fathers' of the same faith like Pastor E .A Adeboye a mathematician per excellence, Pastor W.F kumuyi a first class student and Don in mathematics amongst others.  Some people believe that Christianity fosters intolerance as  a Christian will not tolerate sinners or those outside his sect as they are regarded as unbelievers and are capable of  causing division among various religions due to the huge difference between Christianity and other religions because of it's strict lifestyle of discipline and uprightness.This feature story explores the effects of Christianity on Nigerian University students, amidst the controversies.

      Nigerian University campuses has been a hub for religious activities because they are predominantly young people in this sector who are known for great tenacity and passion for whatever they do with Christianity been the dominant force, with activities like singing, dancing, preaching, gospel parades, brothers and sisters picnic, many students embrace Christianity as a source of spiritual guidance and moral direction, because Christians depend strongly on the leading of the Holy spirit for guidance and the Bible for moral direction, However, critics argue that this has led to a rise in religious fanaticism as many fellowships have different independent beliefs. The Deeper life one's believe in Holiness, the RCCG one's believe in righteousness, the living faith believes in strong faith amomgst others which causes tension among students of different faith and believe as some regard one higher than the other.

       Proponents of Christianity argue that it promotes academic excellence and moral values,"Our deep spirituality should reflect in our academics, as we are to take our academics seriously"says Dr. David ogbueli of Dominion city church as a Christian hardly participate in extra curricular activities so he/ she is able to spend more time on their academics. Some christians students attribute their achievements to their faith. However, detractors counter that this narrative ignores the achievements of non-christian students as they mostly say it is only those who serve God that succeeds this perpetuating  religious bias, saying if you don't succeed is because you are not a Christian.

       The influence of Christianity on campus politics has also been a subject of controversy. Some christian students have been accused of using their religious affiliations to gain political power and marginalize non-christians as some students who are executives in a fellowship uses their influence on campus fellowships to get the support of the christian community during elections. A good example is the current Christian movie series ABBATOIR, where one of the major actors Dele was a university student and a fellowship President this using the influence gotten from his religious position to become the SUG President of his University thereby segregating other religious groups leading to allegations of religious discrimination and favoritism as those who are not members of any fellowship on campus might not be able to profit from those favour and kind gesture.

      Despite these criticisms, many Christian students argue that their faith provides a sense of community and support as they feel loved when they are with their fellowship members because they care for each other so passionately as the love of Christ is reflected in their disposition "we should show love as Jesus cared and did so much for us so we should show others love too" says pastor WF kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible Church. Christians offer support to eachother, whenever they find out that a brother or sister is in need they call themselves together to provide food, clothes and even offer academic help to the member in need. However, others argue that these groups often exclude non-christians, because they are not part of their group, sect or fellowship thereby perpetuating religious segragation.

       Despite these controversies, many students argue that Christianity has a positive impact on campus life. They point to initiatives like charity events in form of welfare week organized by some fellowships where they share foodstuffs and provisions to each student  which has helped greatly in feeding both non-members and members of the fellowship, community service like cleaning the school environment, assisting law enforcement agents and organizing counseling services to help students in various challenges of life.

     However, critics like Reverend Dr. Samuel Ayodele, a theologian and educator, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in Christian education. He notes that "While Christianity provides a moral framework, it's essential for students to think critically and question assumptions." Dr.Folashade Yemi Ese, a lecturer at the University of Lagos argues that "Christianity can be restrictive and limiting especially for female students who are expected to dress modestly and avoid certain behaviours."  Bishop David Oyedepo of the living faith church worldwide (A.K.A Winners chapel) also argues that even as a Christian you should strive to be the best irrespective of your spiritual experience adding that you have not succeeded if you are not the best in your studies, class or field. Pastor DK Olukoya of mountain of fire ministeries a vibrant and great Apostle of prayer further argues that even with your christian experience you will not succeed without reading which is fundamental to learning and success.In conclusion, Daddy pastor E.A Adeboye says that you can't go to the exam hall without reading and expect the Holy spirit to remind you of what you have not read, God isn't a magician.

      The above initiatives discussed earlier often come with strings attached, promoting a particular brand of Christianity and excluding non-christians because every religious group will want to extend the gesture firstly to their members before thinking of other groups which might not reach them eventually. This has led to calls for a more inclusive and diverse representation of religions on campuses so their followers won't be left behind and neglected, because those who lack care tend to perform low in most things done, but all religious groups hands must be on deck to care for one another,. One of the prestigious, prominent and most respected pastors in Nigeria made a very succinct statement saying that we should show love and care for others irrespective of our religious affiliations and connections because a lot of people are really suffering and passing through serious hunger, so we shouldn't hide under the covering of religious differences because it will not take us to anywhere but retrogression and we shouldn't focus on building churches and places of worship whereas people are starving and struggling to survive.

      Not all students believe that religion has a great impact on their education positively because of the increased stigmatisation and even stereotype which make people/students tend to have low self-esteem like Ahmed a Muslim student at Ahmadu Bello University feels excluded from campus events dominated by christian groups.It's like they forget we exist, he says. Also sometimes many christians misplace their priorities and forget the major reason why they are in school which is to study and have a good result so as to be recognised as colossals in their various fields, they don't even create time to read and study to pass their exams and are overzealous with fellowship and church activities in which Reverend father Michael, chaplain at the University of Nigeria Nsukka acknowledges the tensions saying "we strive to create an inclusive environment but sometimes our zeal can be overwhelming." Also Professor Ngozi, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan notes that, Christianity influences students academic choices and career aspirations. Some students prioritise religious activities over academic pursuits,"she added. Dr oyewole a lecturer at obefemi Awolowo University, criticises the emphasis on religious activities over academic rigour some students neglect their studies, prioritizing evangelism over scholarship.

        However, Samuel Benjamin a 300level student of Mass communication department, Prince Abubakar audu University ayingba, Kogi State who is the writer of this article and once the President of a fellowship on campus, I can emphatically say without fear or bias that there should be a balance between your academic and relationship with God. Do not neglect any you have to serve God because he owns you and can grant you favour, wisdom, insight and understanding on any course or subject. Also, you must read because it is only through that you can retain knowledge, even the Bible you cannot know it without reading it,so read and study as the Bible acknowledge us to in 2Timothy 2:15.

         The debate has also sparked questions about the role of religion in public education. Some argue that universities should remain secular, prund for students to explore their academic interests without religious influence. They believe that religion belongs in personal spaces, not in public institutions. On the other hand, others like pastor Adejumobi Adeboye a prominent Nigerian pastor emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in higher education."Christianity provides a moral foundation and spiritual guidance, which are essential for academic success and personal growth," he says. Dr olabisi Yusuf, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, highlights the impact of Christianity on academic performance "students have shown that Christian students tend to perform better academically and have lower rates of misconduct" she notes, they believe that religion has a place in shaping students values and morals, arguing that it provides a moral framework for ethical decision making and personal growth. They contend that religion is an integral part of Nigerian culture and should be embraced in public education.

On the other hand, non-christians students have reported feeling pressured to confirm to christian norms or face social exclusion. They claim that Christians students often dominate campus politics and social events leaving little room for diverse perspectives.They allege that they are coerced into attending Christian events or participating in religious activities that contradict their own beliefs, these students feel that their own religious identities are not recognised or valued, leading to a sense of erasure and marginalization. They are demanding greater representation and inclusion in campus life.

       In response to these debates some universities have established programs aimed at promoting religious diversity and inclusion for instance, the University of Lagos has launched an interfaith center that provides a safe space for students to explore their religious beliefs and engage in interfaith dialogue. Similarly, the University of Abuja has established a religious diversity program that promotes cultural and religious understanding among students, these initiatives aim to create an inclusive and respectful environment that values diversity and promotes understanding. However, critics argue that these initiatives are mere tokenism and do not address the deeper issues of religious discrimination and marginalization on campus.

     The controversy has also drawn attention to the need for interfaith dialogue and understanding. Many students are calling for initiatives that promote religious tolerance and coexistence, recognizing the diversity of faith's on campus, they believe that interfaith dialogue can foster greater understanding and respect among students of different religious backgrounds. Some universities have established interfaith councils and programs aimed at promoting religious diversity and inclusion these initiatives include interfaith forums, cultural events, and counseling services that caters for students of all Faiths.

   Despite these efforts, the controversy surrounding Christianity on Nigerian University campuses. As the debate persists, students, administrators and religious leaders must work together to create an inclusive and respectful environment that values diversity and promotes understanding, this requires a commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance and academic freedom by engaging in open and honest discussions. Nigerian Universities can foster a culture of inclusivity and respect, providing a supportive environment for students to explore their academic and personal interests without fear of if discrimination or marginalization. However the impact of Christianity on Nigerian University students is more of a positive one than negative if considered closely but other religions should not be neglected so that there can be a conducive sight for learning.

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