University news

Honorary Graduates* Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa are to speak about their work for peace in Nigeria at a free public event on Thursday 17 June at 1pm in the University Chapel.

This public event will start with the showing of a DVD about the conciliatory work of the Imam and Pastor in Nigeria between communities in conflict. The screening will be followed by an open discussion.

In the 1990s, Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa led opposing, armed militias, dedicated to defending their respective communities as violence broke out in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. In pitched battles, Pastor James lost his hand and Imam Ashafa’s spiritual mentor and two close relatives were killed.

Now, the two men are co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria leading task-forces to resolve conflicts across Nigeria. They work together to teach warring religious youth militias how to resolve their conflicts peacefully.

*The two religious leaders are being awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Glasgow on 16 June in recognition of their contribution to interfaith development.

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Senior Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

Website: www.gla.ac.uk/chapel

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First published: 15 June 2010