RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN OBA ADEYEMI SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL. OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT This study explores religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among students at Oba Adeyemi Senior Secondary School in Oyo. Given Nigeria’s religious diversity, schools play a pivotal role in shaping interfaith attitudes. The research investigates how school policies, peer interactions, and leadership commitment foster mutual respect among students of different faiths. It also examines areas where inclusiveness falls short, especially regarding traditional religious adherents. By evaluating student experiences and institutional efforts, the study aims to provide insights into sustaining equitable, respectful religious engagement in secondary school environments. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative design to examine religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence at Oba Adeyemi Senior Secondary School in Oyo. A total of 100 students were selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation across religious affiliations, class levels, and gender. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with Likert-scale items measuring interfaith experiences, institutional practices, and perceived inclusiveness. Ethical procedures including informed consent and confidentiality were strictly observed. Descriptive statistics, including weighted means and standard deviations, were used to analyses patterns and draw meaningful inferences from students’ responses. The findings reveal that Oba Adeyemi Senior Secondary School fosters a tolerant and cooperative religious atmosphere. Most students reported positive interfaith interactions, especially between Christians and Muslims, supported by inclusive leadership, peer mediation, and equality-focused policies. High weighted mean scores and low standard deviations indicated strong consensus on peaceful coexistence. However, some students, particularly traditional religion adherents, expressed concerns about exclusion and identity suppression. Additionally, gaps in access to structured conflict resolution programs and inconsistent staff responses highlight areas requiring improvement to ensure deeper inclusion and sustained interreligious harmony within the school community. The study concludes that Oba Adeyemi Senior Secondary School has made commendable strides in promoting religious tolerance through inclusive policies, leadership commitment, and peer-led initiatives. However, to ensure deeper equity, the school must address the marginalization of traditional religion adherents and inconsistencies in conflict resolution efforts. It is recommended that the school expand structured interfaith education, improve staff responsiveness to bias incidents, and ensure representation of all religious groups. Strengthening dialogue platforms, grievance procedures, and empathy-driven programs will further enhance religious harmony and inclusive student engagement across belief systems.