Education for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria: A Critical Review of Governance (2010–2024)
ORLUNGA, BARTHOLOMEW GODSTIME *
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Rivers State University, Nigeria.
ALIKOR, OROMA
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Rivers State University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This paper discusses the role of education for peace and conflict resolution in conflict management in Nigeria. Within the context of this study, some basic concepts are clarified to situate their meanings and understanding; some of these are: conflict, causes of conflict, type of conflict(s), peace, education for peace conflict resolution, etc. Conflict is considered an inevitable component of human existence since humans co-habit with each other in any environment they finds himself in other to survive, however, this mutual co-existence most often does not end well as there are bound to be some conflicting interests or fears of oppression which end up resulting to crises or conflict situations. Thus, education for peace and conflict resolution is the principal organ of peace management and peacemaking that can harmonize and create a shield for human survival and habitation. Significantly, education for peace and conflict resolution is the mentoring and training of human minds both young and old by a culture to identify, analyze, reduce and manage conflict with the view of abating or managing conflict in our society, thereby making the society a better and safe place for global citizens. The study employed a secondary source of methodology and contends that education remains the most harmonious and peaceful means of curtailing and managing conflicts in Nigeria and the globe, which can be achieved if our leaders and policymakers would see and adopt education as a key component to societal growth. Education for peace and conflict resolution is the most harmonious and peaceful means of curtailing, identifying and managing conflicts in Nigeria and the globe at large, which can be achieved if we change our way of dealing with each other and embrace peace at all costs. The study concludes that Nigerians must stand up speedily from their unperturbed nature to becoming active participants in the quest for peace through education and peace in Nigeria nation irrespective of religion, societal status or gender.
Keywords: Conflict, education, conflict resolution, peace