HIGHER EDUCATION AS A TOOL AGAINST RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM: EVIDENCE FROM PRESTON UNIVERSITY KOHAT

Abstract

Religious extremism is a pressing global issue. This study examined the impact of higher education on religious extremism among undergraduate students at Preston University, Kohat. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected from 60 respondents (both male and female) selected through Stratified Sampling Technique from the B.Ed, Psychology, BBA, and Computer Science departments using an adapted questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS, applying reliability, frequency and correlation and regression tests. The findings indicated that higher education fosters critical thinking, promotes acceptance of diversity, and ultimately reduces religious extremism by encouraging a more inclusive worldview. This research highlighted the significant role of universities in countering religious extremism and fostering a more tolerant society through education.

a source of credit. This study aims to investigate these challenges from a global perspective.