Religious Education and Its Role in Building Peaceful and Inclusive Communities in Kaduna State

This study investigated the role of Religious Education (RE) in building peaceful and inclusive communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria, a region historically affected by interfaith tensions and recurring religious conflicts. The study pursued three objectives: to examine the current RE curricula and teaching methods used in selected schools; to evaluate the extent to which RE promotes interfaith understanding, reduces prejudice, and strengthens social cohesion; and to identify challenges and practical strategies for enhancing the peacebuilding potential of RE. Guided by the Contact Hypothesis and Critical Pedagogy frameworks, the research employed a mixed-methods case study design involving six schools selected from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State. Data were collected through curriculum analysis, classroom observations, interviews, and focus group discussions involving teachers, students, parents, and community leaders. Findings revealed a significant gap between the peace-oriented ideals embedded in the national Religion and National Values curriculum and the predominantly doctrinal and teacher-centered approaches adopted in classrooms. While some instructional materials contained elements capable of fostering inclusion and mutual respect, others reinforced religious exclusivity and stereotypes. The study also found that schools implementing structured interfaith interactions recorded higher levels of trust, empathy, and positive attitudes among students toward peers from different religious backgrounds. Furthermore, inadequate teacher preparation, limited pedagogical resources, and weak stakeholder collaboration emerged as major barriers to effective peace-oriented RE. The study concludes that reforming Religious Education through inclusive curricula, participatory teaching approaches, and strengthened interfaith engagement is essential for promoting sustainable peace, social cohesion, and inclusive development in Kaduna State.