Current Research Bulletin

The proliferation of technology has transformed Nigeria’s religious terrain, enabling individuals to access and disseminate information, connect with like-minded individuals, and challenge traditional religious authority thereby fostering Apostasy, or the act of leaving one's faith. This paper examines the role of technology in shaping apostasy and religious freedom in Nigeria. Using a qualitative approach, this study investigates how social media platforms, online forums, and other digital technologies have facilitated the growth of apostasy among Nigerian people. The findings suggest that technology has enabled apostates to connect with others who share similar experiences and worldviews, providing a sense of community and support. However, technology has also been used to surveil, harass, and intimidate apostates, creating tensions to religious freedom. The paper argues that technology has become a critical factor in shaping apostasy and religious freedom in Nigeria, and that policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations can harness the use of technology to promote, rather than undermine, religious freedom.

Technology, Apostasy, Religious freedom, Nigeria, Social media, online forums

1. Cameran Ashraf (2021). “Exploring the impacts of artificial intelligence on freedom of religion or belief online” International Journal of Human Rights, 26(5), 757-791,
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13642987.2021.1968376
3. Fredrick Davie. (2021). “Religion News Service: Nigeria's blasphemy laws are the religious freedom crisis no one is talking about” Accessed on 27th January, 2025 https://www.uscirf.gov/countries/nigeria/religion-news-service-nigerias-blasphemy-laws-are-religious-freedom-crisis-no-one
4. He, Yugang. (2024). “Artificial intelligence and socioeconomic forces: transforming the landscape of religion”. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11. 10.1057/s41599-024-03137-8.
5. Ian Speir (2025). “Emerging Tech and Religious Freedom” January 22, 2025. Accessed on 27th January, 2025. https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/emerging-tech-and-religious-freedom/
6. Mayuri, Jayesh Patil (2024). “The Collision of Technology on Religion: An Overarching Complete Analysis”. International Journal of Computer Application. 186(32), 68-75. https://www.ijcaonline.org/archives/volume186/number32/patil-2024-ijca-923869.pdf
7. Patrick, S. (2009). Freedom to Believe Challenges of Islamic Apostasy Law.
8. Saeed, A. (2004). Freedom of Religion, Apostasy and Islam (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315255002.
9. Saul Istifanus (2023). Understanding apostasy and freedom of religion among Fulani Muslims in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Journal of Philosophy and Religion, 2(1), 133-143. https://doi.org/10.51317/iprv2i1.389
10. Sunday Akpore (2019). SBS Jos Journal of Religious Studies and Humanities, 2, 51-59