Spirituality, Religion and Quality of Life in University of Lagos

SPIRITUALITY, RELIGION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

DR. FALAKO, F. O.

(Areas of interest include Church History, Christian Religious Education,

African Christian Theology and Education)

Department of Arts & Social Sciences Education,

Faculty of Education,

University of Lagos,

Lagos.

E-mail:omoyelefalako@yahoo.com

Tel: 0803 359 5872

ABSTRACT

The determinants of human condition are multi-dimensional. This is expectedly so because of the many facets of man. To an African, religion is fundamental; it permeates life. This paper looks at the religious dimension to quality of life. This is the least understood dimension as a determinant of human condition. The thesis put forward is that spirituality and religion form a significant dimension of quality of life. Study sample comprised of 300 staff and students of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos. Data were collected to elicit participants’ understanding of the domains of the quality of life and the role of religion using a questionnaire titled Spirituality, Religion and Quality of Life Questionnaire (SRQoLQ). Many participants spoke passionately about spiritual beliefs such as faith, hope, love, prayer, and participation in religious activities as means of finding meaning and purpose in life. It was established that spiritual and religious development influence many other areas of life. It was found that: people have a spiritual or religious dimension to life; the domains of quality of life are basically the same irrespective of religious affiliation; that people gain support from religious groups; and that religious groups, especially on campus make people to feel at home as well as give a sense of belonging. The paper recommends tolerance, dialogue, religious education and departmentalization of ministry to attend to diverse challenges of the faithful.

Key Words: Religion;...