An Evaluation of the Role of Religion in the Development of Nigeria

Abstract

There has been an ongoing debate on the assertion that religion has any role to play in national development. The continent of Africa is facing great emergence of underdevelopment and Nigeria is not left out. This is evident in her educational, social and economic deterioration. This paper sought to discover the reason for the deterioration and sketch the role religion has played in the development of Nigeria to ameliorate her state. Qualitative and descriptive method of inquiry was used in this study and it was discovered that mono economy, corruption, religious intolerance and lack of good governance contribute largely to underdevelopment. It also found out that religious groups have played starring roles in national growth through the provision of schools, hospitals, micro loans in partnership with directorate of rural farmers, inculcating morals through teaching in religious and political assemblies for national growth. The article recommends among others an improved partnership of the government arm and the different religions.

Keywords: Religion, National Development, Nigeria