A prognostic analysis on the commercialization of religion and its impacts on students in Nigerian universities

Abstract

The growth, vibrancy, and increased visibility of Christian fellowships in Nigerian universities have received less scholarly attention, notwithstanding the negative impacts they have on campus students. In this study, literature was extended to the exploitation of students by campus fellowships. Some of these campus fellowships have no mother church; they are being established by students (graduate and undergraduate) who manipulate religion for their selfish aims and objectives. Unlike earlier missionary Christianity, which placed more emphasis on post-death rewards, the new wave of Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity in campus fellowships indicates that the reward pastors receive here on earth begins before the final one is received in the afterlife. This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. An in-depth interview with thirteen (N=13) students was conducted, and content analysis was adopted. These 13 students are known to the author and they have participated actively, directly and indirectly, in campus fellowships. Purposive sampling was used to decide on the eligibility of the 13 students interviewed. The Marxists theory was utilized in this study. Findings reveal that campus fellowships exploit students' money, time, and material resources. It also increased the level of female sexual abuse on campus and the number of fellowship students who became overstay and external students. Recommendations are discussed.