Abstract: The reality of Covid-19 birthed a number of disruptions, modifications and protocols in society and its vaccine met with stiff opposition from some Nigerians, thereby jeopardizing efforts to mitigate its spread. This qualitative and explanatory study evaluates the level of compliance of Covid-19 protocols/vaccination, vis-a-vis religion and ethics in Nigeria with utilitarianism as theoretical framework. Findings show that many Nigerians do not observe Covid-19 protocols and are hesitant taking the vaccine for a number of reasons, chief of which borders on religion. This raises issues on the clash between religion and science; clash of rights of the government to protect lives and that of the individuals for autonomy, violation of basic freedoms and so on. The paper concludes that religion is encroaching into the space of science in this matter and recommends heightened sensitization by government and dispassionate cooperation of religious bodies on Covid-19 protocols and vaccination compliance
Keywords: Covid-19, Protocol, Vaccination, Autonomy, Utilitarianism
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