Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Michael Knight

Abstract

Violence, insurgency, and terrorism have been a recurring problem in Nigeria. Efforts to address these challenges through the use of force have proved ineffective. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of peace education in the educational curriculum with a view to promoting consensual peace building in Kafanchan Town, Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Although peace education has been applied in some countries, this approach has not been applied to these challenges plaguing Nigeria. This study adopts the survey research method and utilizes the tripodal theoretical framework of ethnic conflict theory, enemy system theory, and the integrative theory of peace. Ethnic conflict theory stipulates that the internecine conflict between ethnic groups results from denial of their biological and psychological needs. Enemy system theory postulates that humans have a predisposition to discriminate. Integrative theory of peace projects peace as the interface between all aspects of human life, psychological, spiritual, ethical, or sociopolitical. A purposeful sampling technique was used to select 25 participants who were interviewed, and their responses analyzed first by synthesizing and isolating main themes and then by using the Nvivo statistical software. The emergent themes resulting from the data include: changing the mindset of individuals; lack of peace education; mainstreaming of peace education; holistic curriculum content; and a dynamic, participatory as well as integrated approach to peace education. Positive social change results from rejection and abhorrence of violence on a permanent basis and embracing a more peaceful approach to resolving contentious issues that may arise in the course of daily human interaction. This change will lead to peaceful coexistence at the individual, family, organizational, and societal level.

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