Don Calls On Africans To Differentiate Religion From Culture, Stop Debasing Its Cultural Values

An African Historian, Prof. Toyin Falola has called on Africans to differentiate religion from culture and stop debasing its cultural values.

Falola made the submissions while delivering the 5th convocation lecture of Chrisland University entitled ‘Science and Value’ on Monday in Abeokuta.

Falola , a Professor of African Studies at the University of Texas, noted that indigenous languages should always be promoted.

He called on the youths in the continent to formulate indigenous solutions to every problem.

He explained that Africa, widely regarded as the birthplace of humanity had always been innovative since time immemorial, saying that the continent’s major problem was leadership that would nurture such innovations.

Falola opined that science formed the basis of innovations and Africa was not deficient in formulating ideas but lacked the ability to transform these ideas into reality.

The convocation lecturer tasked scholars and management of the Chrisland University to begin the process of integrating indigenous scientific knowledge and cultural values into academic curriculum.

He added that the gesture would make the institution relevant in development of culture and values of its immediate community.

He stressed the need to preserve and document the rich scientific knowledge and innovations of Africa through integration of such scientific knowledge and innovations into academic curriculum to enable present generation of Nigerians to acquire such knowledge for sustenance of the society .

Falola identified the need to preserve the likes of local fabrics, Adire , Kampala, creative arts particularly local music and folks tale which according to him, had contributed largely to making Nigeria the largest economy in Africa

He expressed dissatisfaction over how Africans had continued to debased their rich cultural values at the expense of Western innovations and culture, calling for a change in the narrative to protect African cultural values and identity from being destroyed

The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in a remark harped on the need for the promotion of indigenous culture for science and technological advancement as culture worth more than money.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju stated that Africa had been relegated, saying it was never too late to implement new ideas, therefore youths should incorporate African values into the innovations being adopted.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, lauded the well researched paper presentation by the Guest Lecturer.

Babalola explained that it would help to sharpen the knowledge of the 91 graduands who were graduating on Tuesday as Stars to the outside world.

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Founder of the School, Dr Winifred Awosika , the Thespian, Tunde Kilani, and Academics within the state and beyond.