C.T Gotan - Faculty of Education, University of Jos and ETETE, C.A.(fcrmi) Chief Lecturer Department of Christian Religious Studies, Federal University of Education, Zaria, Nigeria.

The paper focused on the status of Nigeria in religion and sustainable development in Africa. Religion promotes integrated development as it influences the development of a better world. Thus religion and development are discussed. Africa and religion are further discussed because there is no separation between religion and life, body and soul in African thinking. African religion in sustainable development and underdevelopment are highlighted. The role of religion in sustainable development in Nigeria is seen to be both positive and negative. Positively it is a stepping stone to sustainable development through provision of education and healthcare institutions and organizations. Negatively it has immensely contributed to Nigeria’s underdevelopment through numerous religious riots in some regions of the country that have led to the loss of many lives and properties. Recommendations such as: Religious education should emphasize the importance of science in technological development, hard work and good governance for sustainable development, among others are proffered.

Africa, Education, Healthcare, Religion, Nigeria