Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The question of nation building in Nigeria is one that is beset by some challenges which include lack of synergy between the various major or ethnic groups in Nigeria; lack of a specific ideology for social engineering and above all the level of religious intolerance among two major religions in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam. But pluralism in its different manifestation is a characteristic of the modern nation-state. On this note, therefore, this topic ‘Interfaith Dialogue and Education: Panacea to nation building has been conceived as intellectual exercise necessary at this moment of crisis, to explore credible avenues to ensure effective nation building in Nigeria. Two major sub-themes in this paper are: Interfaith dialogue; and its incorporation into the educational curriculum of Nigeria as ways to ensure that public enlightenment is attained and sustained. The paper in its methodology is expository and analytical. It targets essential understanding of the positive dimensions to interfaith education and appreciation. The paper contends that if Nigerian citizens engage in healthy dialogue about religious issues at national level and at school level, what seems like irresolvable controversies between the stands of Christianity and Islam, would give way to mutual understanding, and thus enable cooperation and peaceful co-existence that are necessary for effective nation-building in Nigeria.

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