…as he delivers Bingham University’s 3rd public lecture

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Renowned theologian and social ethicist, Prof. Yusufu Turaki, has declared that humanity’s progress, scientific advancement and social stability depend on a proper understanding of God, creation and the moral laws governing the universe.

Turaki made the declaration on Thursday while delivering Bingham University’s 3rd Public Lecture titled, “Faith and Scholarship: The Unity of God, Creation, Humanity and Society,” held at the Faculty of Architecture Auditorium of the institution.

The lecture coincided with the celebration of the cleric-scholar’s 80th birthday, drawing academics, church leaders, students and stakeholders from across the country.

In a far-reaching intellectual discourse that blended theology, science, philosophy and social ethics, the elder statesman warned that ignorance of divine, moral and natural laws had plunged humanity into crises, confusion and underdevelopment.

According to him, God embedded both visible and hidden knowledge within creation, challenging humanity to discover and apply them through scholarship, science and responsible living.

“The entire creation is governed by universal physical laws. By the power of His spoken word, God inscribed physical laws into creation and locked them up. Humanity remains ignorant and underdeveloped if these laws are not studied and applied,” Turaki said.

He argued that obedience or disobedience to God’s command for man to cultivate and exercise dominion over creation forms the foundation of science, technology, economics and societal development.

The don further stressed that true scholarship must be rooted in faith, truth, wisdom and moral integrity, warning against the corruption of knowledge through falsehood, evil and intellectual confusion.

He identified theology and religion, philosophy and metaphysics, as well as science and empirical inquiry, as the three major channels through which humanity has historically sought knowledge and meaning.

Turaki also lamented widespread misunderstanding about the sources and purpose of knowledge, insisting that comprehensive education must integrate what he described as the “God-principle, creation-principle and human-principle.”

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, described Turaki as a “steadfast defender of the faith” whose lifelong dedication to theological inquiry, scholarship and social ethics had profoundly shaped academic and spiritual discourse in Nigeria and beyond.

Ayuba said the university was honoured to celebrate a scholar whose intellectual vitality and mentorship remained impactful even at 80.

“At 80 years of age, Professor Turaki remains remarkably active in academic, social and spiritual spheres. His continuous engagement in scholarship, publications, lectures and mentorship proves that age is no barrier to intellectual excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He added that the lecture was not only a celebration of scholarship but also a call for unity, justice, compassion and responsible societal engagement through faith-driven education.

The event was attended by members of ECWA leadership, governing council officials, principal officers of the university, academics, students and other dignitaries.