Inclusive Community, Abundant Endowment, and Improved Capacity

Oluwatobi Ololade Ife-Adediran is a doctoral student at the GTU and a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship.

GTU: What is your field of study at the GTU? Could you describe the focus of your research?

Oluwatobi Ololade Ife-Adediran: I am in the department of Theology and Ethics and a student member of the Center of Theology and Natural Science (CTNS). My research utilizes a soteriological model to develop a theology of nuclear peace which I refer to as the Summa Pax Dei. This theological construct is expected to address the challenges that are related to nuclear security (especially the development and deployment of nuclear weapons), nuclear deterrence and extended deterrence, and nuclear waste disposal.

GTU: What makes the GTU the ideal place to pursue that course of study?

OOIA: The GTU is the right place for scholarly innovation, interdisciplinary studies, and interreligious dialogue. I am fascinated by the vast human and material resources that are available through the member schools, centers, and affiliate institutions of the GTU.

GTU: What drew you to the GTU?

OOIA: I was drawn to the GTU because it is one of the very few theological institutions that explore the intersection between theology and science. I was also thrilled by the expertise and profile of faculty members. The cross-registration agreement between the GTU and UCB presents a unique opportunity of a rich graduate study experience through the joint utilization of faith-based and secular resources.

GTU: What have been some of your favorite or most memorable experiences in your first year at the GTU?

OOIA: My enrollment for the seminars on interdisciplinarity as well as theology and ethics were watershed experiences in the first year of my study. These courses have constituted a solid foundation for my doctoral journey. I have also enjoyed interacting with students from other parts of the world who identify with different faith traditions. The unrivaled support of the faculty members have been remarkable as a strong motivation in the course of the study.

GTU: What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

OOIA: In ten years from now, I hope that I would be practicing as a medical physicist: advocating for nuclear peace; and contributing to sustainable development in Africa, especially in the areas of education, science, and technology.

GTU: As the GTU celebrates its 60th anniversary year, we are inviting GTU community members to begin imagining what a brighter future 60 years from now might look like. What does that future look like to you?

OOIA: I imagine a GTU in the next 60 years that would have improved capacity to offer qualitative education and research in emerging areas of theological and religious studies. I also look forward to a GTU with an abundant endowment to support the innovative research of students and scholars in the institution. The GTU should also continue to nurture safe and inclusive spaces where scholars can thrive irrespective of their religious affiliation, racial identity, and socio-cultural idiosyncrasy. Summarily, the GTU in the next 60 years will identify as an Inclusive Community, with an Abundant Endowment, and Improved Capacity, in addition to its motto: “Abundant Pathways, Intersecting Perspectives, Transformative Impact.”

GTU: How do you hope your research and work will contribute to that brighter future?

OOIA: At a time when theological education and research invests itself in the assertion of its relevance not only in faith practice but also in society at large, my research contributes to bringing this relevance to the fore. I hope that the Summa Pax Dei, a theology of nuclear peace that my research aims to construct, will complement the existing technologies, policies, and diplomacy channeled towards a sustainable nuclear anthropocene. Following the method that adapts a soteriological model towards a nuclear fit, other theological frameworks can be deployed to address societal problems.