VEJOH - VERITAS JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES

The 20th and 21 centuries have witnessed civil wars, conflicts and destruction of properties to the extent that the contemporary world is regarded as conflict prone. What is said about the world can also be true of Nigeria because it has had its own share in the shedding of blood as well as involved in the escalated conflicts which have resulted in the destruction of properties and forceful deprivation of peoples' farmlands. The Nigerian Civil War in the past and the recent killings by the Fulani Jihadists are glaring examples. When lives are lost through shedding of blood, the parties involved regard themselves as enemies. Consequently, revenge is followed by counter-revenge and more blood is shed. Nigeria has lived under this tensed situation for a long time. As a result, some ethnic groups who feel aggrieved are calling for separation or for the disintegration of the country. There is mistrust and suspicion everywhere. It is on this basis that this article explores possible avenues through which education could bring reconciliation in order to forestall the imminent disintegration of the country. The article emphasizes the important role education could play to bring about reconciliation, peace and unity in the country. It also highlights the necessity of reconciliation in restoring national integrity and solidarity. In order to achieve these objectives, the article used historical research method for investigating, recording, analysing and interpreting events of the past in order to understand the present. The article recommends the teaching of reconciliation in Nigerian schools, the exchange of expert teachers on reconciliation to schools, re- introducing religious studies where children will be taught forgiveness and love of one another, and the formation of the committee for truth, reconciliation and national integration.

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