Administrative Strategies for Enhancing Peace Education for Improved Socio-Cultural Relations Between Nigeria and Maradi Region of Niger Republic

Abstract

Peace is a critical factor that determines the speed of national development in every nation as well as the stability of socio-cultural relations among nations. Nigeria and Niger Republic are two countries that have maintained close ties through inter-marriages, religious interaction, political diplomacy, and economic interchange among others. This lasting socio-cultural relationship dates back for into history and has continued till today.In recent history from the 1990s to date, the political and social life of the Republic of Niger has been marked by high political tension and recurrent food crisis across the country and Maradi Region inclusive. This is in spite of efforts made by government in negotiations, rehabilitation and execution of development programmes. These efforts have failed largely because of poor provision of peace education in the region. What appeared to have been overlooked is the fact that provision of peace education is a weapon of ensuring rapid socio-economic development and enhancing better international relations between Niger and Nigeria as well as with other nations. In the case of Nigeria, the activities of the Boko Haram coupled with economic hardships and societal crisis have negatively impacted on the welfare of the citizens which in turn has affected socio cultural relation between Nigeria and Niger. This paper therefore proposes and submits that peace education is very critical towards maintaining fruitful relations between Nigeria and Maradi Region of Niger Republic as well as with other nations. The paper proposes an urgent review of curriculum of peace education, teacher training, improved teaching methods, provision of adequate instructional materials, proper supervision and funding of peace education in both countries. This will help to provide appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies that will ensure the provision of peace education as a pre-requisite for rapid economic, political, religious, educational, social, scientific and technological development between Nigeria and Maradi Region of Niger Republic both for the present and for the future.