BA Christian Theology

Department of Religious Studies
Faculty of Arts

BA Christian Theology

PROGRAMME CODE:- 2207

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Religious studies came into existence in National Open University of Nigeria I 2015, in keeping with the recommendation of National University Commission (NUC) Accreditation Panel Report that the Christian Theology and Islamic Units be sub-merged to form the Department of Religious Studies. This Report was ratified by the University Senate and the department started with the new nomenclature in the same year.

PHILOSOPHY, VISION AND MISSION

Philosophy

Christian Religious Studies is a programme of study integrating Judeo-Christianity and other religions of the world. In keeping with the philosophy of the university in Nigeria and the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) practice, the programme emphasises the application of religious truth to the basic religious beliefs and practices of Christianity and other religions of the world, interpreting them from the perspectives of the Christian tradition perspectives and delineating impartial approach towards the handling of religious phenomena. The programme is also aimed to achieve the followings:

To acquit students with the main contents of the major religious traditions commonly practiced in Africa, normally; Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion. The programme does not present any religious system as a Suigeneris exclusivist system; hence it also delves into other world religious phenomena such as Buddahism, Hinduism, Shinotism, Zoro-asrianism, Jainism, Judaism and African Traditional Religion.
To equip the products of this programme for the teaching career, administration social works and offer them solid academic background for professional degrees in religious studies.
To orient students towards developing minds and heart or thinking conducive to a pluralistic society such as Nigeria.
To provide a solid foundation for further studies in religious studies.
To promote peaceful – coexistence and encourage interfaith or inter-religious dialogue among the various religion in Africa.

Vision

The vision of Christian Religious Studies programme is to provide cost effective religious education through the open and flexible mode of education that add life-long value for all who are ready to be trained as such. This is consistent with the vision and mission of the university.

Mission

To produce quality graduands of Christian Religious Studies with broad specialization and competence in Christian Religious Studies to meet with current challenges and demands.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aims

To help the students develop an independent and critical thinking;
To assist the students to acquire necessary skills for better understanding of the Christian faith, beliefs, practices and those of other faiths from an apologetic point of view;
To provide a strong foundation for further studies in Christian Religious Studies and Christian Studies generally.
To acquire skill and knowledge necessary for promoting peaceful co-existence, tolerance, love and personal integrity.

Objectives

On the completion of the programme, the student should be able to:

take up any aspect of church ministry effectively
apply their faith to daily living
counsel fellow humans and the society, especially in matters of faith and morals
aspire for further studies in Christian Religious Studies
Interpret the Bible, context, society and other sacred texts in a more acceptable manner and
Pursue further studies in related fields.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into BA Christian Religious Studies, the candidate is required to meet at least one of the following:

100 Level

i. Five ordinary level(O/L) credit passes in Arts and Social Sciences Subjects, including English Language, Mathematics at SSCE, GCE, NECO and NABTEB.
ii. Teachers Grade II Certificate with minimum of five (5) merits at not more than two sittings, including English Language plus any other four (4) Subjects.

200 Level (Direct Entry Admission)

i. A minimum of three (3) credit passes in IJMB, OND, NCE or its equivalent in addition to three (3) credit passes at the ordinary level, including English Language.
ii. Diploma in Religious Studies/Theology from NOUN and any other recognized institution.
iii. Any other qualification acceptable to the Senate of NOUN.

Graduation Requirements

To receive BA Christian Religious Studies, a student must have undergone eight (8) semesters of full-time or sixteen (16) semesters of flexible mode. In addition to this, the student must have earned a minimum of one hundred and twenty (120) units of courses to qualify for graduation (six (6) semesters and 90 Credit Units for Direct Entry Students). This is in addition to meeting the Senate’s general regulations governing the award of undergraduate degrees in the university.