–Assoc. Prof Iherue, HOD
Distinguished international scholar and Head, department of Religion and Peace Studies, Ven Assoc.Prof. Sunday Iherue has urged those passionate about peace-building, conflict resolution, alternative dispute Resolution, interfaith dialogue and community transformation to hurry and secure their places in one of IMSU’s most impactful and career-ready programmes in the Department of Religion and Peace Studies, Faculty of Humanities.
He advised admission seekers to consider this programme as the discipline is among the most current highly-sought-after university programs across the globe.
The Head of the Department of Religion and Peace Studies stated this in an interview with NIGERIAN NEWSGUIDE in his office recently.
Iherue explained that in the face of myriads of conflicts, wars and violenc confronting humanity, majority of them emanating from infinitesimal religious issues, there is evident dearth of well trained professionals to handle such issues to ensure abundant peace and stability in the society where development is expected to thrive.
He remarked that Religion and Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program that focuses on understanding and analysing the complex dynamics of peace, conflict and violence.
According to the HOD,
“Religion and Peace Studies explores the complex relationships between religion, culture, and conflict, as well as the role of religion in promoting peace, justice and reconciliation. The primary goal of the study according to the HOD, is to equip both undergraduate and post graduate students with the knowledge of social justice, human rights, global citizenship, diplomacy, international relations, public speaking, presentation skills, conflict resolution/negotiation skills, interfaith dialogue/cooperation, research and writing skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to address the challenges of conflict and promote sustainable peace in the global context.
The don maintained that graduates of Religion and Peace Studies can pursue careers in various fields including but not limited to Non Governmental organizations(NGOs), Foreign and diplomatic services such as Ministries of Foreign Affairs, United Nations, US department of State, UNDP, World Council of Churches, alongside National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission, etc.
He revealed that there are abundant career opportunities for Religion and Peace Studies graduates in United States, UK, Australia, Nigeria, Isreal, Middle east, Sweden, Germany, Sweden, etc.
According to him, Religion and Peace Studies graduates can also work in various top notch establishments in Nigeria such as the National Assembly, Presidency, Ministry of Interior, DSS, National Boundary Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, among others.
The revered international scholar remarked that Religion and Peace Studies graduates are professional arbitrators and negotiators who specialises in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Adding that both lawyers and arbitrators require a strong understanding of the law and legal principles, both professionals involve in resolving disputes between parties. Both professionals are also impartial and neutral in dispute handling.
He therefore, called on those seeking admission into Imo State University Owerri as well as parents to see every reason to consider Religion and Peace Studies in the 2026/2027 academic session.
The HOD said admission into the
department of Religion and Peace Studies,
Faculty of Humanities
Imo State University Owerri is now on,
urging applicants to secure their places in one of IMSU’s most impactful and career-ready programmes in order to
gain expert skills in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)and mediation as well as
understanding the ethics of religion and peace in contemporary Nigeria and global contexts.
According to him, entry requirements for undergraduate program is a
minimum of five (5) O’Level credits including English Language, in not more than two sittings (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) and
at least 170 in UTME with IMSU as first choice (or change of institution to IMSU. The HOD noted that
Direct Entry (DE) requirements include
ND, NCE, or equivalent in relevant fields with five
O’Level credits as above with
supplementary admission (if applicable), which is
open to candidates who scored above cut-off but were not admitted in the first round.
He added that graduates seeking for Post Graduate admissions can apply for an M.A. or PhD in Strategic Peace and Conflict Studies, Cooperation, Governance and Peace Studies, Crisis and Security Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ethics, Biblical Studies O/T and N/T Studies, African Traditional Religion (ATR) , Sociology of Religion, Comparative Religion, and Church History.
Assoc Prof Iherue equally commended and appreciated the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University Prof Ugonna U. Chukwumaeze for approving and giving the department of Religion and Peace Studies approval and leverage, promising to take the department to an enviable height.
