Welcome To Our Department

Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. A unique hub for spinning theoretical web in the scientific study of religion at home and abroad. While preserving specialization competences, academic staff in the Department of Religious Studies continue to rigorously pursue the study of religion from the scientific and multi-disciplinary perspectives. This multi-disciplinary approach has established Religious Studies and has given the department a unique identity. It is remarkable that Ife Religious Studies does not present any religious system as sui generis or exclusivist, but as an aspect of human behaviour in a society.

No religion is presented as superior or inferior to the other, rather each religion is critically studied for what it is. The philosophy of the Department of Religious Studies is derived from the overall vision of the University, which aims at creating a teaching and learning community, imparting appropriate skills, knowledge that are relevant to national and global development, and engendering a sense of selfless service in the public sector. It is also the philosophy of the Department to produce thorough-bred and disciplined students. With excellent knowledge and skills, who will be able to demonstrate competence and knowledge in any area of endeavour they may choose to go into after graduation.

New additions include: African Religions in the Diaspora, Islamic Banking System, Origin and Development of Islamic Law, Revivalism and Renewal Movements in Islam, Religion and the Media, Religion and Leadership, Religion and Science, Religion and the Arts, Music in World Religions and Women in Religious Traditions. These new courses have been introduced over time to expand the existing areas, notably the Sociology of Religion, Comparative Religion, African Indigenous Religion, Islamic Studies, and Christian Studies.