By Abdulkarim Abdulmalik
Nigeria, despite its aboundant human and natural resources, remain webbed in crises that defy logic and reason. Many factors are responsible for the evitable narrative.
Two of these factors contributing to this paradox are religious dogmatism which is an uncompromising adherence to beliefs without critical examination and its companion, the poverty of rationality. Together, they form a silent but potent force shaping public discourse, governance, and everyday life in ways that hinder national development.
Religion, in itself, is not the problem. Indeed, faith has historically played a vital role in providing moral guidance, social cohesion, and a sense of purpose for the overall good of humanity. Nigeria’s two major religions – Islam and Christianity – preach values of justice, compassion, and accountability. However, when religious adherence becomes rigid, intolerant, and resistant to reason, it ceases to be a tool for enlightenment and instead becomes a barrier to progress.
Religious dogmatism manifests in many forms across Nigeria. It is seen in the refusal to question religious authorities, even when their teachings contradict common sense or public interest. It appears in the blind acceptance of miracles over medicine, prophecy over policy, and divine intervention over civic responsibility. It is evident when citizens prioritize religious identity over national unity, or when leaders exploit faith to manipulate emotions and evade accountability.
This culture has serious implications for rational thinking. Rationality requires the ability to question, to analyze evidence, and to make decisions based on logic and facts. Yet, in a society where questioning religious narratives is often seen as sacrilegious, critical thinking is stifled. It becomes an inmate in the prison of rational deficit.
Young people are discouraged from asking “why” and are instead trained to accept “what is” without scrutiny. The result is a populace that is easily swayed by rhetoric, misinformation, and emotional appeals.
One of the consequences of this rational lack or failure is the proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories. From health crises to political events, many Nigerians rely more on religious interpretations than on scientific evidence. During disease outbreaks, for instance, some communities have rejected medical advice in favor of spiritual remedies, sometimes with tragic outcomes. This not only endangers lives but also undermines public trust in institutions and the experts managing them.
Bearing in mind that religious dogmatism often fuels division and conflict, Nigeria’s history is replete with instances where religious differences have escalated into monumental violence.
Although the causes of such conflicts are complex and multifaceted, the role of rigid belief systems could not be ignored. When individuals are taught that their faith is the only truth and all others are false or inferior, tolerance becomes difficult, and coexistence becomes fragile. Peace becomes wishful.
In the political arena, the intersection of religion and governance further complicates matters. Many politicians would, in their campaign invoke religious sentiments to gain support, framing policy debates in moral or spiritual terms. This does not only create distractions from substantive issues but also polarizes the electorate. Instead of evaluating leaders based on competence and performance, many voters are influenced by shared religious affiliations or endorsements from clerics.
Education, which should be a breeding ground for critical thinking, is not immune to these challenges. In some cases, curricula are shaped by religious considerations that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. Teachers may avoid controversial topics for fear of backlash, while students are rarely encouraged to engage in open debate. Without a strong foundation in critical inquiry, the future generations risk perpetuating the same cycle of dogmatism and irrationality.
The economic implications are equally significant. A society that undervalues rationality is less likely to innovate, adapt, or compete in a globalized world. Investment in science, technology, and research suffers when decision-making is guided more by belief than by evidence.
Entrepreneurs may shy away from risk, while policymakers may ignore data-driven solutions in favor of populist or measures that appeal to religious sentiments. Over time, this erodes productivity and stifles growth.
Granted that it would be unfair to paint all religious expression in Nigeria with the same brush, there are numerous faith leaders and communities actively promoting dialogue, education, and social development. Interfaith initiatives, such as those led by journalists and civil society organizations, demonstrate that religion could be a force for unity and progress when approached with openness and sincerity.
The challenge, therefore, is not to eliminate religion from public life, but to recalibrate its role. Faith must coexist with reason, not replace it. Religious teachings should encourage inquiry, compassion, and critical engagement. Clerics have a responsibility to guide their followers not only spiritually but also intellectually, fostering an environment where questions are welcomed and evidence respected.
Government and educational institutions also have a crucial role to play. Policies must prioritize scientific literacy, critical thinking, and civic education. Schools should be safe spaces for dialogue, where students can explore ideas without fear of condemnation. Media organizations, too, must uphold standards of accuracy and objectivity, resisting the temptation to sensationalize religious narratives.
Ultimately, the future of Nigeria depends on its ability to balance faith with reason. A society that embraces both can harness the moral strength of religion and the problem-solving power of rationality. But if dogmatism continues to overshadow critical thinking, the nation risks remaining trapped gyrating in a cycle of underdevelopment and avoidable division.
The time has come for a national conversation: one that challenges entrenched beliefs, promotes intellectual curiosity, and redefines the relationship between religion and reason. This way, Nigeria would be on the match to unlocking its full potential and thus, charting a path toward sustainable development and lasting peace.
– Mr. Abdulkarim Abdulmalik is a journalist and Chairman, Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria). He can be reached on: info@interfaithmediaguild.org; nowmalik@gmail.com
