In a society increasingly divided by religious differences, ethnic loyalties and political affiliations, the story of the late Nigerian educationist and humanist, Tai Solarin, reminds us that humanity should always come before the labels we attach to ourselves.
Solarin reportedly supported the mother of Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu financially and provided free education for two of Nzeogwu’s siblings, Philomena and Peter, at his Mayflower School in Ikenne, Ogun State, after the Nigerian Civil War.
The account became public through an interview with Nzeogwu’s mother, Madam Elizabeth, published by Daily Trust on December 27, 2001, seven years after Solarin’s death.
According to Madam Elizabeth, Solarin opened a bank account for her in Asaba and regularly deposited money into it until his death in 1994.
She described him as a son, recalling how he helped her children and ensured their education.
Nzeogwu’s sister, Theresa, also confirmed Solarin’s support. She reportedly noted that Peter had become a professor at the University of Missouri in the United States by the time of the interview.
In a striking observation, Theresa remarked that although Solarin did not believe in God, her family had not encountered a believer whose kindness they could compare with his.
Solarin’s story raises an important question: Should a person’s religious beliefs determine how we judge their character?
Religion can inspire compassion, generosity and service to others. However, religious identity alone does not guarantee good character, just as the absence of religious belief does not automatically make someone immoral.
Solarin’s reported actions demonstrate that kindness can cross religious boundaries. He helped a family in need without making religious differences a barrier to his generosity.
Nigeria’s religious diversity should be an opportunity for mutual understanding, not a reason for hatred. When people begin to judge others solely by their religious beliefs, they risk overlooking their good qualities, spreading prejudice and deepening divisions within communities. In extreme cases, such hostility can contribute to discrimination and violence.
A Christian should be able to appreciate the kindness of a Muslim, just as a Muslim should recognise the goodness of a Christian. People who do not believe in God should not automatically be labelled immoral, nor should religious affiliation shield anyone from accountability for their actions.
We can disagree about religion without becoming enemies. Respecting another person does not require accepting their beliefs; it requires recognising their dignity.
Solarin’s reported support for Nzeogwu’s family also reminds us that people should not be denied compassion because of their relatives, ethnic backgrounds or political associations.
His decision to educate Philomena and Peter illustrates the lasting value of investing in human potential. Education and genuine assistance can transform lives, regardless of the beliefs of those providing them.
The lesson is not that non-religious people are better than religious people. Rather, no religious group has an exclusive claim to kindness, morality or humanity.
Nigeria needs more people willing to help beyond the boundaries of religion and ethnicity. We must learn to appreciate good deeds wherever they come from and resist narratives that encourage us to hate one another because we believe differently.
Ultimately, we do not have to worship the same God, belong to the same religion or share the same worldview to treat one another with dignity.
Our differences should never make us forget our shared humanity.
