YABATECH Rector harps on religious tolerance for national unity

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, has declared that interfaith harmony and mutual respect among religious groups are critical to achieving sustainable peace, institutional progress, and national unity in Nigeria.

He stated this while addressing staff, students, and religious leaders at an interfaith fast-breaking dinner organised by the institution, where Christians observing Lent and Muslims observing Ramadan gathered to share a meal and reflect on the shared values of their faiths.

The rector described the initiative as part of the college’s deliberate commitment to strengthening peaceful coexistence within its multicultural community and promoting values capable of fostering national development.

According to him, the institution considers religious diversity not as a challenge but as a strategic strength that can be harnessed to promote understanding and cooperation.

He noted that the coinciding seasons of Ramadan and Lent present a unique opportunity for both Christians and Muslims to reflect on the core values of sacrifice, compassion, discipline, and devotion to God—principles that should guide personal conduct and institutional relationships.

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The rector also emphasised that the interfaith gathering was designed to deepen dialogue among religious groups within the college and to demonstrate that institutions of learning can serve as models of peaceful coexistence in a plural society like Nigeria.

He, however, stressed that the values embedded in fasting—discipline, charity, patience, and self-restraint—should translate into improved commitment to duty, stronger community relations, and collective responsibility for the wellbeing of others.

He therefore called on members of the college community to sustain the spirit of unity beyond the religious season and allow it to shape their everyday interactions on campus.

Speaking on the theme of the event, “Interfaith Harmony and National Unity,” the Chaplain of the college, Rev. Awe, underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among adherents of different religions.

He noted that interfaith harmony promotes peaceful coexistence, strengthens community bonds, and encourages collaboration across religious divides for the common good.

According to him, interfaith harmony is essential for social stability, as it promotes trust, reduces conflict, and strengthens the foundations of national development.

Also speaking, the representative of the Muslim community in the college, Dr Ojokuku, described educational institutions as spaces where diversity of belief, culture, and ideas should foster understanding rather than division.

He noted that peace, tolerance, and coexistence remain universal values shared by all faith traditions.

On his part, the Chief Imam of the institution highlighted the spiritual significance of fasting, describing it as a demonstration of obedience to God and a practice that instills discipline, devotion, and compassion for others.

The event concluded with a joint breaking of the fast by Muslim and Christian participants, reinforcing the college’s commitment to promoting unity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence within its community and beyond.