Education and Conflict Resolutions

Abstract

This paper looks at the fundamental role of education in conflict resolution.  The human person is a social animal, who interact/relate with one another, to be fully human. In interacting, there is conflict and education creates a conducive environment to meeting the emotional, social, and intellectual needs of diverse groups of individuals. The emphasis on education and conflict resolution is based on the fact that peace and education are inseparable aspects of civilization. In other words, no civilization is truly progressive without education and no education system is truly civilizing unless it is based on the universal principles of peace. Education enhances the acquisition of the worthwhile values, knowledge and development of attitudes, skills, and behaviors to live in harmony with oneself and with others. This paper provides a critical examination of educational systems, exploring its nature, strengths, weaknesses, and impact on global development. Being the most populous country in Africa, most populous black nation in the world and one with the largest market in West Africa, Nigeria is used as representative case study for the paper. The paper discusses the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system, including inadequate funding, policy summersaults, security concerns, and tensions along tribal and religious lines. Despite these challenges, Nigerian students have excelled in various fields of study both in Nigeria and abroad, contributing significantly to research, innovation, and global movements for change. By addressing the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system and implementing the recommended solutions, Nigeria (Africa) can continue to make significant contributions to the global community and drive national development.