The approval for the use of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN’s) Energy Centre, as the venue for the witchcraft conference slated for 26th November 2019, has been withdrawn.

The Director of the Centre wrote conference organisers informing them of the University’s decision following criticism and opposition to the conference by UNN Christian students and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

WuzupNigeria reported that the conference, which has the theme “Witchcraft: Meaning, factors and practices”, is convened by the Professor B.I.C Ijomah Centre for Policy and Research in UNN.

Since the conference was announced Christians students and CAN have vehemently opposed the event saying it is “not of God and must not hold in Jesus name.”

Christian students pasted posters at different locations on the campus condemning the conference.

The posters, presently making the rounds on social media bear inscriptions like:

“Say no to the meeting of witches and wizards!!! We are (a) Christian community. Don’t pollute our environment please!”

“University of Nigeria belongs to Jesus. So witches and wizards, No way!! No Vacancy!!!”

“We plead the blood of Jesus over the University of Nigeria. Hence we reject all forms of witchcraft overtly or covertly in Jesus’ Name, Amen”.

The chairman of CAN in the South-East zone, Bishop Dr Goddy Okafor, also called on members to pray against the conference from holding.

Reacting to the withdrawal of approval for the venue, Professor Egodi Uchendu, Director of the B.I.C Ijomah Centre for Policy Studies and Research said the protest and campaign by CAN and UNN Christian students will not deter them from holding the academic conference.

P.M.NEWS quoted Uchendu, a professor of history as saying:

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. CAN and others are free to express their opinions just like we have the freedom to have an academic conference on witchcraft”

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She, however, absolved the UNN management from the cancellation of the venue for the conference.

Uchendu said the centre is owned by the Federal Government but domiciled inside UNN.

“UNN DID NOT deny us use of Energy Centre. Energy Centre did. Energy Centre is a Federal organ domiciled in UNN. It’s not controlled by UNN. Their decision to deny us their venue may not even be known to UNN,” she said.

 

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