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COSFAN Advocates Inclusion Of Peace Studies In School Curriculum.
The Federal and States Government have been called on to introduce peace studies into secondary school curriculum to curb youth restiveness.
The President, Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, COSFAN, Dr Ekundayo Samuel made the call at a press conference in Ilorin, ahead of the eightieth birthday celebration and book presentation in honor of Former Minister of Interior, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari.
Dr Samuel who described as disturbing, the involvement of youths in violence, said that teaching young people to sue for dialogue through peace education, would counter the narrative of radicalism.
This, according to the President of COSFAN, Dr Samuel, are some of the ideals propagated by Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
He said that with introduction of peace education from primary to higher institutions of learning, the youths would be equipped with skills and knowledge to engage in peaceful conflict resolution.
“Prof.Gambari has consistently emphasized the importance of peace education at all levels of schooling. Integrating peace studies into secondary school curricula can help equip young people with the skills to engage in peaceful conflict resolution, respect for human rights,and participation in democratic processes. This is especially vital as the rise of violent extremism continues to threaten youth across Africa.
“Teaching young people to value peace and dialogue over violence is a long-term strategy for ensuring a stable and secure future.”
Dr Samuel however added that achieving sustainable peace and good governance, depends largely on strengthening of democratic institutions.
“Prof Gambari’s career has shown that sustainable peace is not only about addressing immediate conflicts but also about creating an environment for long-term social, political, and economic stability.”
“These efforts are essential for achieving peace that lasts beyond temporary cease fires or political agreements.”
Speaking on the book titled Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development, former President of COSFAN, Barrister Abiola Adimula, said that the foreward of the 268 page book, was written by Former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose tenure, Professor Gambari served as Chief of Staff.
“The book itself is divided into three sections. The first section, has articles relating to diplomacy and diplomacy relations; section two, has articles that relate to democracy and governance, the third part relate to articles on peace, security and development.
“Apart from the articles that are academic and experiential for practice, it is also a book that has the collaboration of six universities. And this book can be cited for academic promotion in tertiary institutions.”
Earlier, the Pioneer Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, COSFAN, Emeritus Professor Olugbenro Jegede, emphasized that the culture of book reading should be revived in schools to build the intellectual capacity of students.
Professor Jegede who frowned at the number of people leaving for foreign lands, said that Nigeria should be intentional in retaining its best hands for societal development.
“The so called japa syndrome is not the best for us. I have never seen, except in Nigeria, probably Africa, where flocks of people will pack themselves, individual or collectively, and say they are abandoning their homes for greener pastures. Perhaps, they’ve never heard that when you see greener pastures on the other side of the garden, somebody has been tendering it. So you need to tend your own rather than go to the one that has been tendered by other people.”
Highpoint of the event was selected readings from the book Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development by students of Government Secondary School, Ilorin.
Tomorrow, dignitaries from far and near, will converge in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to honour Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari on his 80th birthday.
Professor Gambari is an academic and diplomat who served as a permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations from 1990 to 1999.
He also served as Minister of Interior from 1984 to 1985.
Professor Gambari was born in Ilorin , Kwara State on November 24, 1944.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
