Ethnic Conflict and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Peace Education

Abstract

The issue of ethnic conflict in Nigeria has become a burning national issue with its attendant problems. Its current predominance is reflected in the reports of various activities of ethnic militant in the country coupled with the high rising terrorism activities in the northern part of the country from which the traces of ethnicity problem cannot be totally ruled out. However, the issue now nationwide is no longer the recognition of ethnic conflict and its increasing threats to lives and properties but on how to curtail and manage it so that both human and material resources being used for such activities can be geared towards bringing about sustainable development in all spheres of life. The problem could best be tackled through deliberate and sincere efforts to change the behaviour and attitudes of the people to become their brothers’ keeper and tolerate one another. This could best be achieved upon the teaching of peace education in the schools. Therefore, this paper discusses ethnic conflict, reviews its trends and management and finally highlights the strategy for ethnic conflict resolution and management in Nigeria.