ADEJOH, Pius Enechojo Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka ADEJOH, Samuel Ojima Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka ADESOLA, Rukayat Opoola Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka
Abstract
This paper examines the prospects of bridging Nigeria’s widening ethno-religious divide through the instrumentality of pence education. Relying on the functionalist theoretical approach, the paper argues that peace education in schools offers Nigeria the rare opportunity of ‘catching them young’ and of bridging the widening ethno-religious gulf among her mosaic of ethnic nationalities and cultures. It regrets however, that the full potentials offered by this discipline are not being fully realised because of the selective teaching of its elements through substitute subjects as Social studies, Civic studies, Religious studies and similar subjects in our schools. The study utilised quantitative data that were generated from 292 students in selected tertiary schools in Lagos state. The result indicated that the teaching of peace education in schools was positively associated with an appreciation of ethnic diversity among recipients at P-value of 0.042. However, it was found that no association exists between the teaching of peace education in secondary schools and religious tolerance, and the appreciation of conflict resolution skills with P-value standing at 0.976 and 0.492 respectively. It was therefore recommended that full scale peace education curriculum should be introduced at all levels of schooling in the country, while the teaching and learning environments should be provided to facilitate the internalisation of peace culture by all.
Keywords: Ethno-Religious Conflict; Peace Education; Lagos state; Nigeria