Multi Religious Activities and its Influence on Campus Security in Selected Colleges of Education in Kogi State, Nigeria

Higher institutions in Nigeria are becoming replete with diverse religious activities, driven by a growing number of religious organisations operating within the various campuses. While the authorities of these institutions are to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom, there is also a need to uphold the peace and security of these campuses, which are themselves prerequisites for teaching and learning. Available literature shows that tertiary institutions in Nigeria have at various times been forced to close, with individual and institutional property destroyed, because of religious intolerance. This study examines three Colleges of Education in Kogi State Nigeria; Federal College of Education Okene, Kogi State College of Education Mopa, and Kogi State College of Education Ankpa: to determine how the prevalence of diverse religious activities has affected students' and staff's perceptions of peace, security and overall institutional welfare. The study employs a descriptive survey design; a sample of 190 respondents was drawn from the three institutions using a multi-stage, stratified sampling procedure (stratified by sex, religious affiliation, students and institutions). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and ranking. Findings show that various religious organisations and their activities are available on the campuses, but their positive influence is limited because they largely operate independently, with attendant competition and rivalry that breed tension. The study recommends that College managements encourage inter-faith programmes, prioritise the conflict-mediation and early-warning measures and operate policies that bring religious communities together for the institutions' positive development