Role of Education in Enhancing National Security: Implications for Peace and Stability in Nigeria

This study examined the role of education in enhancing national security and its implications for peace and stability in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the influence of access to quality education, the contribution of civic and peace education, the impact of educational inequality, and the extent to which educational curriculum content supports national security. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and involved a population of 1,250 respondents, including teachers, lecturers, school administrators, policymakers, security personnel, and community leaders, from which a sample of 312 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, regression analysis, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings revealed that access to quality education and civic and peace education significantly enhance national security and social stability, while educational inequality is strongly associated with increased insecurity. Although curriculum content was significantly related to national security, its influence was relatively weak. The study concluded that strengthening access to quality education, expanding civic and peace education, addressing educational inequalities, and reforming curriculum content are essential strategies for promoting national security and sustainable peace in Nigeria. Recommendations were made for government, educational authorities, and policymakers to implement these strategies.