1756: Zachiam Bayei on Atheism, Family, and Secularism in Nigeria
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2026/10/04
“I am from a conservative Christian family. I became an Atheist long before having a University education. I was a skeptic long before I became economically independent from my parents.”
“Yes, while growing up, religion plays and still played a major role in my educational journey. In primary school, we were forced to pray during assembly time. A similar scenario plays out during my secondary education too. But at the university, it gives you wings. Nobody forces you to do such primitive rituals.”
“I already knew what I wanted for myself long before heading into University. I did not find atheists there. However, I found other schoolmates who held irreligious views about Abrahamic faiths. Social media actually gives me a voice to connect with atheists all around the world. I am so grateful for the technology of building bridges all across the world.”
“Moses was said to have written some books in the Bible, how come the same man recorded his death? But when I raised these observations to clergymen and Jesus-fans who often engage me in debates, they often shy away from them.”
“My atheism has personally made me freer and open to learning. But it has further alienated me and my family from other religious families My wife is a Christian. We define our differences and still stay together.”
“My religious colleagues are aware of my stance on religions, but I try as much as possible to avoid religious debates with them. I just work and go home.”
“The impact is enormous. Atheists like Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, etc., have impacted positively on the Nigerian atheists’ community. We often draw inspiration from their quotes and share on social media.”
“The Northern part of Nigeria is more intolerant towards atheists because of their fanatical stances towards Abrahamic religions (Christianity & Islam). Many atheists I know from the north have to take on pseudonyms and identities on social media just to play safe. That is how bad it is in northern Nigeria, but the South, which is more advanced in education, has a liberal outlook towards atheists.”
“The best way I think people can live a secular life in Nigeria is by separating the state from religion in our constitution. Religion has no basis in our constitution, but the political merchants are refusing to amend the Constitution because they often reap political capital from it.”
“Religion should be separated from state institutions. This is destroying the quality of service delivery. Critical thinking and inquiry should be encouraged in public schools. It will create doubts in the minds of the students and people about all they have been taught to believe.”
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