Ridwan Balogun

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I saw the need to learn new and innovative practices in the study of religion. FSU's Department of Religion met this standard with its experienced list of faculty members.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Given the threat that religious extremism poses to democracy in Nigeria, my research on Salafi institutions offers a way to achieve religious conciliation in a multi-faith setting like Lagos, Nigeria. Religious violence and debate are nothing new to Nigeria, but recent studies have shown how networks of kin and neighbors exhibit overlapping religious affiliations (Nolte, Ogen & Jones 2017).

Career aspirations

I want to become a professor of religion. I would also like to build professional relationships with government agencies and international organizations to work in the area of peace building and inter-religious dialogue.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Be consistent and focus. Develop an interest in acquiring new research skills while also planning your time. Above all, create time for relaxation and fun.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I recently won two competitive grants for my Summer 2024 Pre-dissertation research project in Nigeria. The first was a Research Grant from the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at Shenandoah University. The second was the Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Research, Travel, and Creative Works Grant from FSU. Last Spring, I was also awarded the Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Student Travel Award to attend the African Studies Association Annual Meeting.