By Blessing Ibegbu
The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has urged scholars, staff and students to uphold strong moral values, transform their character and contribute positively to the global community for Nigeria’s development.
Ayuba made the call at the university’s third public lecture delivered by Prof. Yusufu Turaki, a distinguished Professor Emeritus, Theology and Social Ethics in the University, on Thursday in Karu, Nasarawa State.
The lecture was entitled, “Faith and Scholarship: The Unity of God, Creation, Humanity and Society”.
Ayuba said the event was also organised to celebrate Turaki’s 80th birthday and honour his contributions to the university and society.
“Today, we are privileged to host a distinguished professor of Theology and Social Ethics, whose scholarship and dialogues have significantly contributed to our understanding of the divine and its relationship to human society.
“His works continue to challenge us to reflect deeply on the interconnectedness of our beliefs with creation, as well as our responsibilities as members of a global community,” he said.
The vice-chancellor described Turaki as a scholar whose lifelong dedication to theological inquiry, social ethics and the promotion of dialogue between faith and reason had enriched the academic community and society.
“Today, we honour his remarkable journey, his contributions, and his commitment to truth, justice, and spiritual integrity.
“At 80 years of age, Prof. Turaki remains remarkably active in academic, social and spiritual spheres despite the challenges often associated with ageing,” he said.
Ayuba noted that Turaki had continued to contribute significantly to scholarship, research, mentorship and community development through publications, lectures and mentoring.
According to him, the professor’s sustained academic engagement demonstrates that age is no barrier to intellectual vitality.
“I am confident that today will not only enlighten but also encourage us to live out our faith in ways that promote unity, justice, and compassion in our society.
“It will also inspire us all to continue his legacy of faith, scholarship and service,” he said.
In his lecture, Turaki said God embedded both visible and hidden knowledge within creation, challenging humanity to discover and apply them through scholarship, science and responsible living.
He said obedience or disobedience to God’s command for humanity to cultivate and exercise dominion over creation formed the foundation of science, technology, economics and societal development.
Turaki stressed that true scholarship must be rooted in faith, truth, wisdom and moral integrity, warning against the corruption of knowledge through falsehood and intellectual confusion.
He identified theology and religion, philosophy and metaphysics, as well as science and empirical inquiry, as major channels through which humanity had historically sought knowledge and meaning.
The professor warned against separating knowledge from truth, wisdom and goodness, saying knowledge without moral guidance could become dangerous.
He urged scholars, students and faith communities to pursue knowledge that promotes wisdom, truth and responsible living in the society. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Funmilayo Adeyemi
