Dr. Rapheal Ojo Joseph stands as an accomplished scholar and educator whose work transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Religious Studies, a robust publication record, and recognition through numerous awards and fellowships, he continues to shape the discourse on religion, politics, culture, and peacebuilding. His academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, social engagement, and an unwavering belief in the importance of understanding the intersections of religion, culture, and society.
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Dr. Rapheal Ojo Joseph hails from Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria. A scholar with a profound dedication to comparative religious studies, he has made significant academic contributions to the field, both in Africa and internationally. Dr. Joseph's academic adventure commenced with a Certificate in Public Administration at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria, from 1998 to 1999. He graduated with Upper Credit in the program. His pursuit of academic success motivated him to advance his studies in Business Administration, culminating in his graduation with Distinction from Kogi State University, Anyingba, Nigeria, from 2002 to 2005. He advanced his educational path by enrolling in a degree program in Christian Studies, obtaining a B.A. with First Class Honours from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, in 2010. His exceptional performance in his undergraduate studies was highlighted by his recognition as the Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2009/2010 session.
Dr. Joseph's pursuit of higher education continued with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, which he completed in 2013. Building on this strong academic foundation, he furthered his research by obtaining a Ph.D. in Comparative Religious Studies from the same institution in 2023. His doctoral dissertation added depth to the existing discourse in religious studies and marked the culmination of a decade of dedication to understanding and engaging with the interconnections of religion across cultures and contexts.
Dr. Joseph's career in academia spans over a decade. He began his teaching career as a Tutor in the Department of Religious Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where he was involved in both Diploma and Sandwich Programs from 2011 to 2013. His commitment to religious studies and pedagogy led to his appointment as a Lecturer in the Department of Religion and African Culture at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, where he taught from 2013 to 2023. During his tenure at Adekunle Ajasin University, Dr. Joseph was known for his engaging lectures and his contributions to the academic development of students in religious studies and African culture.
In 2022, Dr. Joseph broadened his academic footprint by taking on a Part-Time Lecturer role at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria, where he taught and influenced the next generation of scholars.
Dr. Joseph has made notable contributions to the academic field of comparative religious studies, with a focus on the intersection of religion, culture, politics, violence, and society. His research interests include interfaith dialogue, religious conflict resolution, religion and politics, religion and national transformation, psychedelic chaplaincy, spiritual care, religion and mental wellness, and the sociological aspects of religion. He His academic output is substantial, with several published works in reputable journals and a growing number of citations, indicating the impact and relevance of his research in the field.
Dr. Joseph's expertise has been sought at various academic conferences and symposia across the globe. He has attended and presented papers at major international conferences, which include engagements on multiple continents through interdisciplinary engagements. Some of the highlights include but not limited to:
Dr. Joseph's intellectual reach is further underscored by his role as a reviewer for several distinguished academic journals. He is currently a reviewer for:
Dr. Joseph's career has been marked by an impressive series of awards, scholarships, and fellowships that reflect his excellence in the field of religious studies. These honors recognize not only his academic prowess but also his potential as a scholar committed to the advancement of global religious dialogue and research. Some of his key awards include:
Additionally, Dr. Joseph’s intellectual curiosity has been nurtured by various prestigious travel grants, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Grad Scholarship (2021) and multiple conference grants from institutions such as Harvard University and Princeton Theological College.
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Joseph is also deeply engaged in community and extracurricular work. His volunteer efforts include serving as a Youth Coach with the International Rescue Committee, where he worked with high school students as part of the RYMP High School Youth Coaches Summer Program in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, in 2024.
Dr. Joseph's skill set is both broad and deep. He is known for:
Dr. Joseph is an active member of numerous professional organizations that reflect his dedication to the study of religion and peacebuilding. These include: