The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has
dropped the topic of the proposed international conference on witchcraft
by Prof. B.I.C Ijomah Centre for Policy Studies and Research following
protests by some groups and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
The Center had earlier proposed to discuss ‘Witchcraft:
Meaning, Factors and Practices’ scheduled to hold between November 26
and November 27, which has attracted negative reactions from members of
the public, especially church leaders.
Bishop Goddy Okafor CAN Chairman South-East zone last
week while warning UNN against going ahead with the planned conference,
called for a one-day prayer by all Christians in the zone to avert the
conference.
Following agitations, protests and media campaign
against the conference the institution decided to drop the topic for the
conference.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of
the school, Okwun Omeaku, the institution has dropped the initial topic
of the conference, maintaining that the conference still holds.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the University
Community in particular, and the General public, that the
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe has directed that the topic for the
Interdisciplinary and International Seminar by the B.I.C. Ijeoma Center
for Research scheduled for the 26th November be instantly DROPPED
forthwith.
“This is in response to the yearnings of the public that
have erroneously misconstrued the ideas behind the choice of the topic,
and a true demonstration of a Management with a listening ear. Other
aspects of the programme will run its full course.”
The organizers of the conference had earlier cleared the
air that the conference is neither a gathering of witches and wizards
nor a forum to propagate witchcraft, but for intellectual and academic
inquiry.
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