Department of Religious Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies focuses on providing a deep and balanced understanding of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Studies, helping students appreciate the beliefs, values and traditions that shape these two major faiths. Our programmes introduce learners to the scriptures, histories, ethics and lived practices of Christianity and Islam, while fostering respect, critical inquiry and informed interpretation. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, textual studies and guided research, ensuring that students develop strong analytical skills and a mature understanding of how religion influences personal character, community life and national development.

Vision

To be a centre of research and critical scholarship in all areas of Religious and theological issues both nationally and internationally. As a leading centre of excellence in religious and theological matters, it is our resolve to train and produce scholars who shall become instrumental forces for theological research, teaching and human development.

Our History

The Department of Religious Studies, dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community service, was one of the six departments that constituted the Faculty of Arts at the inception of the University in 1982. Until the 1991/92 session, the department admitted students to the Religious Studies programme, but by the beginning of 1992, it threw its doors open to students wishing to obtain a degree in either Christian Studies or Islamic Studies.

Hence, the degree in Religious Studies formerly awarded to students gave way to three separate degrees in the areas of Christian Studies, Islamic Studies and later, Religion and Science, thereby preparing students to contribute meaningfully to societal growth & development, peaceful coexistence and the pursuit of human advancement.

Academic Programmes

The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in a pluralistic society. Students are exposed to hands-on learning through extensive & intensive courses and innovative projects that align with global trends and practices in religions, peaceful coexistence, and human development.

Research Areas

The department fosters a vibrant academic community where students, staff, and researchers collaborate for the advancement of religion and society. Through attendance and participation in seminars, conferences, and community-based projects, the department contributes to both local and global knowledge.

Research in the department spans areas such as:

  1. Sacred Texts and Languages
  2. Religion and Science
  3. Religious Phenomenology
  4. Religion and Legal Studies
  5. Gender and Sexuality Studies
  6. Religious Economy
  7. Peace and Conflict Studies
  8. Leadership and Governance.

Facilities for Student Training

The department is well equipped with modern facilities to support research and teaching:

  1. Teaching and Reading Room – Provision of a supportive, peer-focused learning environment in which focus group discussions are often recorded and shared, ensuring students can review them at their convenience.
  2. Online resources — access to comprehensive on-campus and online library resources, which are crucial for comprehensive studies.
  3. Archival materials – access to e-archival materials, manuscripts and documents.
  4. Lecture Halls and Classrooms – conducive spaces for interactive and effective teaching.

Departmental Organogram

Dr. Oluwaseyi Nathaniel SHOGUNLE

seyi.shogunle@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3649-3348
Google scholar citation: 7; h index: 2; i10-index: 0
+234 8067648881

Dr. Oluwaseyi Nathaniel Shogunle is a senior lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Seyi, specialises in Biblical Studies and Christian theology. His research interest includes Biblical Studies, Religious Phenomenology, Environmental Studies, Conflict & Peace Studies and Democratic Governance and Leadership. He holds a First Degree, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Religious Studies, from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. He also holds Bachelor of Theology from UMCA Theological College, Ilorin, Kwara State (an Affiliate of University of Ibadan) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria. He has over thirty-five publications in national and international reputable journals, and has contributed to advancing knowledge in religious studies, mentoring, and with extensive interdisciplinary & intercollegiate collaborative projects.

He currently serves as the Head of Department of Religious Studies and was the former Sub-Dean, Postgraduate for the Faculty of Arts. In his capacity as Acting Head of Department, he oversees academic administration, curriculum development, staff coordination, and student mentoring. He is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence, collaborative research, and innovation within the Department. His leadership is directed toward strengthening the Department’s visibility and expanding its contributions to making local and global impacts in education, human capacity and development.

Recent Publications 

  1. Ade-Ali, F. A., Shogunle, O. N. and Abimbola, D. W. (2024). “Destiny and the Problem of Causal Explanation in African Yoruba Thought.” Nigerian Journal of Philosophical Studies (NJPS). 3 (1): 104-125. A Publication of Association of Philosophical Professionals of Nigeria (APPON). 
  2. Shogunle, O. N., Taiwo, B. S., Olawuni, I. O. & Oyetomi, A. O. (2024). “A Comparative Study of Inheritance Law among the Jews and Yoruba People of Southwest Nigeria.” Religions’ Educator: National Association for the Study of Religions and Education (NASRED). 23(1): 131-157. A Journal of the National Association for the Study of Religions and Education (NASRED).
  3. Kimemenihia, I. O. & Shogunle, O. N. (2024). “Leadership and Governance from the Old Testament Perspective.” In Leadership and Governance in the Old Testament World: Lessons for Nigerian Democratic Process. Festschrift in honour of Rev. Professor Ebenezer Ola. Adeogun. Edited by Dada, A. O., Orgu, C. C., & Oladunjoye, O. I. Lagos: Positions Communications Nigeria Ltd. 
  4. Shogunle, O. N. & Ladigbolu, A. A. (2024). “Leadership and Governance in Nigeria: A Contextual Interrogation of Jesus’ Model.” In Leadership and Governance in the Old Testament World: Lessons for Nigerian Democratic Process. Festschrift in honour of Rev. Professor Ebenezer Ola. Adeogun. Edited by Dada, A. O., Orgu, C. C., & Oladunjoye, O. I. Lagos: Positions Communications Nigeria Ltd. 
  5. Kalejaiye, O. A & Shogunle, O. N. (January – June, 2025). “Representation of Religious Trauma in Sefi Attah`s Hailstone from Zamfara.” ASEAN Journal of Research.3(1): 66-75. A Publication of the International College, Krirk University, Thailand.

Academic Staff

  1. Emeritus Prof. Kamaldeen Abdulazeez BALOGUN – Professor of Islamic Law and theology   kamaldeen.balogun@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng  (+234 8058871032) Office Rm 004 Basement
  2. Prof. Olatundun Abosede ODERINDE – Professor of New Testament Studies and Christian theology, olatundun.oderinde@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng, Orcid number: 0000-0002-9929-8745, Google Citation:85
    h-index: 5 i10 -index: 3. Phone number: 08059316359
  3. Prof. Kehinde Emmanuel OBASOLA – Professor of Contemporary and African Religion, Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics kenny.obasola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng   Orcid ID: 0000-0002-8191-0270; Google Scholar Citations: 78, h-index 5, i10 index 3 (+2348037268917) Office Rm. 003 Basement
  4. Dr. Akeem Adebayo Adisa AKANNI – Reader (Sociology of Islam) akeem.akanni@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng  Orcid ID: 0000000261919657; Google Scholar Citations: (+234 8033561743) Office Rm. 005
  5. Dr. Tiwatola Abidemi FALAYE – Reader (Church History)  falaye2000@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: ; Google Scholar Citations: (+234 8050797005) Office Rm. 006
  6. Dr. Abdulganiy Olutola HASHIMI – Reader (Arabic language, literature and Islamic history) hashimi.abdulganiy@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-000255743720; Google Scholar Citations:   (+234 8058871036) Office Rm. 003
  7. Dr. Samuwilu Alade OWOYEMI – Senior Lecturer (Islamic Theology, History of Islamic Civilizations and Contemporary Issues on Islam in Nigeria) alade.owoyemi@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: ;  Google Scholar Citations    (+234 8064488812) Office Rm. 008
  8. Dr Dauda Ashir EGBEOLOWO – Senior Lecturer (Sociology of Islam and Islamic Family Law) egbeolowo.dauda@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID:  0000-0003-4781-3925; Google Scholar Citations 9 H-index 2 i10-index 0   (+234 8055948442) Office Rm. 011
  9. Dr. Tawaliu Oriowo ADEOYE – Lecturer II (Islamic History, Theology and Contemporary Issues) adeoye.tawaliu@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng   Orcid ID: 0000-0001-5486-8284; Google Scholar Citations  (+2348059304718) Office Rm. 004
  10. Dr. Olawale Oladuni PETER –Lecturer II (Old Testament Studies and Christian Theology) peter.olawale@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0009-0004-6437-296X; Google Scholar Citations  (+2348059304718) Office Rm. 009

Non-Academic Staff

Mr. Rafiu Akanji ONABOWALE – Higher Executive Officer onabowalerafiu@gmail.com +234 8054067230  Office Rm. 002

Contact Information

Department Courses

Undergraduate
  1. B.A. Christian Religious Studies
  2. B.A. Islamic Religious Studies

Upcoming event

16

Dec

2025

Matriculation for Fresh Students (2025/2026 Session)

  • 10:00am4:00pm
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