The establishment of Bauchi State University's Center for Law and Religion Studies is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria, and through the Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) has supported its development. The NCHR participated digitally at its recent inauguration.
Important academic tool in African and international context
Head of the International Department at the NCHR, Zenia Chrysostomidis, emphasized in her digital inauguration speech that this new institution signals an increased academic focus on significant issues within the international human rights discourse.
She pointed out that the Center will become an important academic tool in the essential work of upholding freedom of religion or belief - not only in the Nigerian and African context, but also for the broader, international community working for the advancement of these freedoms.
NCHR partners instrumental
A close NCHR partner in Nigeria, Dr. Ahmed Salisu Garba, has been instrumental in the foundation of the Center, alongside Professor Fatima Tahir, Vice Chancellor at Bauchi State University Gadau. Dr. Garba will serve as the Director of the Centre for Law and Religion.