Prof Ishaq Oloyede, National Co-coordinator of the National Inter-Religious Council, has said that religion was not the cause of the conflicts among the various Nigerian groups.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday in Maiduguri, Oloyede identified lawlessness, indiscipline in high places and selfishness by the Nigerian elite as the major causes of the conflicts.

Oloyede, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, observed that the religious conflicts were, often times, masterminded by highly- placed people for their selfish interest.

He said that one of the most viable options for Nigeria to arrive at its target development by the year 2020 was for the leadership to strictly adhere to the rule of law in all its dealings.

The Vice Chancellor called for the introduction of compulsory religious studies in primary and secondary schools to impart on the youths, the benefits of religious tolerance.

He said the objectives of the council, which was established in 1999 included the promotion and inculcation of Muslim and Christian morals, ethical, social and cultural values for the rebirth and rebuilding of a better society.

The coordinator said he was in Maiduguri to coordinate the 2nd quarterly General Meeting of the Council, which will hold from May 5 to May 8.

He said governors of the North -East region, traditional as well as religious leaders were expected at the meeting.

The meeting will be presided over by the President -General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of CAN, Dr John Onaiyekan.

	1. 24-05-2008 01:12
	Senior Marketer This is terrible. The standard of education in Nigeria is nothing to write home about.Our so called graduates cannot even express themselves in good English.I wish more english classes will be introduced in universities. The GST classes are not enough.This is embarrasing. Guest

Justin

	2. 22-05-2008 10:19
	not true English is not our mother language but no matter what an ibo person (educated)can not do that in hausa land so let take another look at that issue. Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	3. 13-05-2008 09:22
	English Well, English or no English some from certain part of the country are desperate to be called copa so, and so. but thanks to mallam who spoke with an Hausa acent but yet been considered by others as illitrate Hausa man. and those who happen to be queen's Sister and brother Have fail the country again Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	4. 08-05-2008 12:03
	Deal with their likes Poor girl.To be a graduate it requires that you work hard and prove your worth academically ,this would help to sell the institution one graduated from.In my opinion,the activities of ESUT should be investigated. It is a shame that THEY can help the likes of Ifeoma to graduate and smare the name of the Institution. Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	5. 07-05-2008 12:16
	MANUPUATION OF RELIGION IS IT! I agree with the Prof that religion is not the problem in Nigeria but the elites who have manipulated it for selfish ends. This has happened at all levels and I fear that even the ongoing meeting in Maiduguri to find solutions to religious problems is just another attempt to manipulate gullible participants to look elsewhere for the cause of the mayhem they have unleashed on innocent people in the name of religion. May God deliver us from the manipulation of religion!  Weyenkyu Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	6. 06-05-2008 19:44
	MANUPUATION OF RELIGION IS IT! GAAAADAMMIT! Guest

Anon

	7. 06-05-2008 14:30
	Prof. is right. Well, prof. is right to some extend. Our leaders can do anything to sustain their leaadership. We have to be taught on how to respect each other. Guest

ahmed

	8. 04-05-2008 20:37
	what a shame? a graduate can't speaks and write in English after spending about 16 years in school;primary, secondary up to university.infact this is a disgrace to the country at large. it is only God that would have mercy on us. Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	9. 04-05-2008 18:57
	NYSC member can't speak ENGLISH??? Mba! mba!! mba!!! Please tell me it's not true,it cannot be true in my Nigeria,the gaint of Africa nations, the nation that has produced some of the best continent interllectuals no it's not true.  Find out who enrolled her for the service,how did she get the call up letter and at the camp who did the documentation for her.THIS IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE.  This is serious. Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

	10. 04-05-2008 12:46
	Prof. Ishaq opinion Prof. Ishaq may be right based on his opinion that religion is not the cause of conflict in Nigeria. However, let me refresh Prof.Ishaq's memories may be for some reasons the Prof. forgot the conflicts that happened in Nigeria. I could remember sometime back in Abuja after the friday's prayer, people came out on street shouting slogans and stopping cars, breaking windscreen and caused alots of demages and injuries for passerby and the reason for their actioned is that they are in solidarity with Palestinian suffering. Its an excellent choice to support others but not to the caused of other people lives,I think religion causes 60% of conflicts in Nigeria Guest

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it