NIGERIA, 1980
THREE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

In the first part of 1980 three events can be pointed out as significant for Muslim-Christian relations:

1. The WAATI/IAP seminar

   This is the seminar jointly organized by the West African Association of Theological Institutes (WAATI) and the Islam in Africa Project (IAP) on the teaching of Islam in theological institutes. Dr. W. Bijlefeld was the main speaker at this seminar which was held from 14 to 18 April at Immanuel College, Ibadan.

   Topics included typology of Islam, Qur'ânic studies, Muslim theology and devotion, Islam in modern times and in West Africa, Qur'ânic views of other religions, christian views of Islam and some basic theological issues. Up to 15 Nigerian institutions were represented, and one Muslim was among the participants. Here are briefly the recommendations of this seminar:
   
   

   • that all WAATI institutions include the study of Islam in their curriculum,
   • that the study of Islam be related to other theological disciplines,
   • that an Islamic scholar be present at a WAATI annual meeting,
   • that this study of Islam in theological institutes include:
     • an introduction to Islam
     • a study of Islam in West Africa (history, practices, institutions)
     • a special attention to Christian-Muslim relations (history, principles, attitudes etc.)
   • that teaching staff in WAATI receive training in those subjects,
   • that a survey be undertaken with the aim of developing advanced studies in Islam in West Africa,
   • that the WAATI institutes receiving a grant from IAP may use it to develop their library in the field of Islamics,
   • that WAATI undertake the financial responsibility of the publication of a general textbook and of a reader in Islam for students in post-secondary institutions, as well as a publication on Christian-Muslim relations in Africa. For a fuller report, contact Rev. Dr. Hans Haafkens...
     
     
2. Graduate programme, University of Ibadan

   The second event is the inauguration of a graduate programme, starting in October 1980, in the Religious Studies Department of the University of Ibadan, with the possibility of specialization in Islam. In Nigeria and most parts of Africa it is difficult for Christians to enter Islamic institutions or university departments, partly because objection has been voiced against non-Muslims teaching Islam in schools.

   The U.I. Religious Studies Department has two Christian Islamicists, Joseph Kenny, O.P. (Ph.D., Edinburgh) and S. Babs Mala (M.A., Birmingham, M.A. McGill, a Nigerian member of Christ Apostolic Church). Students also have the possibility of studying Arabic language as a subsidiary in the Arabic department and of consulting with Muslim Islamicists. Besides the research facilities of the University there is also close by the Dominican Islamic collection and the Islam in Africa Project library. For further information on the U.I. programme, contact Rev. Dr. Awolalu, Acting Head, Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

   While the University of Ibadan now provides programmes at diploma, B.A., M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D. levels, the National Institute of Moral and Religious Education (Project T.I.M.E.) in Lagos has a Certificate level programme for teachers in training, providing courses in both Islam and Christianity for students of both faiths. "The inter-faith character of this institution is reflected not just in the students in-take and staffing, but much more so in the course content which provides for the in-depth study of both Christianity and Islam by their respective adherents. Under "Content of Religious Education" Muslim professors teach the Muslim students Study of Qur'ân, Islamic Theology, Islamic Philosophy, while Christian lecturers teach Christian students the Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Theology. In a section under "Moral Education and Social Studies" the students are made to look at the "world value systems with emphasis on christianity, Islam and secularization". It is here that "Introduction to Islam" is offered to Christian students only, by a Muslim lecturer, while similarly "Introduction to Christianity" is offered to Muslim students only, by a Christian lecturer. All the students (Muslims and Christians) also study together "African cultural heritage", including the African traditional religion". All this completes the professional training of the students which includes principles and practice of education, educational psychology and sociology, development and communication skills etc.
   
   

3. Joint funeral service

   The third significant event was the funeral of 18 government officials who were killed in a plane crash on the way to São Tomé at the end of May. At the nationally televised joint funeral service held at the National Stadium in Lagos a Muslim imâm, an Anglican provost and a Catholic archbishop walked side by side in procession, and each in turn led about a five minute prayer for the deceased. The Chief Imâm of Lagos gave his prayer in clear Arabic, and Rev. ope Johnson and Archbishop Okogie gave their own in English. Both the Catholic and the Muslim prayers made reference to "Paradise". In his own speech President Shagari stated that the reason we have gathered and the only thing we can do for the dead is to offer our prayer for them. Events such as this funeral are occasions for practically manifesting religious solidarity and strengthening an atmosphere of toleration and cooperation.