Bingham University, Karu, holds 3rd Public Lecture titled ‘Faith and Scholarship: The Unity of God, Creation, Humanity and Society along with the 80th birthday of renowned theologian and scholar Prof. Yusufu Turaki  

The lecture, framed Prof. Turaki’s four-decade career as a synthesis of intellectual rigour and spiritual conviction. He argued that faith and scholarship are not opposing forces but partners working for human advancement and the glory of God. Central to his lecture was the concept of “unity”, the unity of God, creation, humanity, and society. 

Prof. Turaki said this framework connects his extensive work on missions, colonialism, Islam, and African Traditional Religion, all aimed at bridging divisions and fostering understanding among diverse peoples and faiths. 

Prof. Turaki challenged the common separation of faith from intellect, stating that academic excellence can be an act of worship, while genuine faith requires intellectual integrity and social responsibility. Drawing on decades of documenting religious persecution and social crises in northern Nigeria, he presented the unity of God as a basis for justice, peace, and reconciliation.  He positioned the lecture within an African paradigm for Christian scholarship, urging a new generation of scholars to think both biblically and contextually when addressing Nigeria’s complex religious and cultural realities. 

Speaking further, Prof. Turaki said the lecture represented more than an academic address it was a personal testimony and a prophetic call to overcome artificial divides of faith, reason, ethnicity, and religion. He challenged younger scholars and leaders to pursue a relevant, unified, and justice-driven Christian scholarship in Africa. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Haruna Ayuba described the lecture as a continuation of the university’s tradition of hosting distinguished scholars. He called for the promotion of scholarship anchored on faith, ethics and service to humanity, describing intellectual engagement as essential to addressing moral and social challenges confronting society.

The Vice-Chancellor described the lecture as intellectually enriching and historically significant, noting that it coincided with the 80th birthday celebration of Prof. Turaki, whom he praised for decades of service to theology, scholarship and national discourse. He added that his contributions to Christian thought, social ethics and mentorship continue to shape conversations around faith, leadership and human responsibility within and beyond Nigeria.

Prof. Ayuba reaffirmed Bingham University’s commitment to sustaining academic conversations that address critical societal issues, stressing that universities must remain centres for knowledge, character formation and responsible leadership.

The Registrar, Mr. Daburi Bello Misal gave the closing remark noting the Vice Chancellor’s leadership role in the university’s tradition of hosting distinguished scholars in the lecture series. He further extolled the virtues of Prof. Turaki’s legacy as an ordained minister and leading academic whose work continues to shape discourse on faith, society, and scholarship in Nigeria.

Other highlights at the lecture were the presentation of a plaque and certificate to Prof. Yusufu Turaki and a photography session.

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