ABSTRACT
The study examined the effect of religious conflict in Nigeria in relationship to its impact on educational development of the country, using Oorelope Local Government area as the population sample of the study. The work adopted descriptive research method, making use of questionnaire for data collection. It was discovered from the findings that religious conflict has been prompted out by various factors such as tribalism, resources control, religious and land disputes, Trader related dispute and other factors, which affect the educational development of the country in many ways as discussed in the study. However, in effort to provide an adequate and appropriate solution to the problem, the study recommended that, there should be religious tolerance and mutual unity among the various religious leader should teach and practice common virtues such as justice, compassion, kindness and respect for the religious tenets or beliefs of other people.
CHAPTER ONE
- Background to the Study
Nigeria is majority populated by the adherents of Islam, Christianity and African traditional religion, however, the adherents of the three religions, especially Muslims and Christian are often engaged in conflict, leading to lost of lives and property. The religious scenario in Nigeria has assumed a violent dimension, leading to suicide, bombing, loss of innocent lives and property. The area that is most affected with terrorists attacks in the defunct northern religion. That is, the north and the area called today “middle belt” of Nigeria. Even if there is seeming peace, the relationship between Christians and Muslims is marked with mutual suspicion and distrust (Amadu, 1989). These religious crises are more frequent in the north and they sometime given birth to reprisal attacks in Eastern part of Nigeria are directed to all the Northerners without distinction of religious affiliation. That is, both Christians and Muslims are victims of such attacks (DZURGBA, 2006). The Northern Christians particularly suffer death casualties at every twist of events. This ugly situation calls for reflection on education as one of the possible measures of preventing religious conflicts and insecurity in Nigeria.
- Statement of the Problem
The research work was embarked upon, purposely to examine the concept of religious in Nigeria and it implication on educational development in Nigeria.
- Purpose of the Study
The research work is embarked upon to look critically into the concept of religious conflict. What are the factors that contribute to emancipation of religious conflict and the effect of the concept on the development of Nigeria? However, the research work will also try to provide some possible solutions to stop religious conflict in Nigeria.
- Research Questions
In order to do justice to this study some questions are raised. The study intends to proffer answers to the questions, they include:
- What are the causes of religious conflict?
- In what ways does religious conflict affect the development of the education?
- What are the possible solutions to the problem of religious conflict?
- Significance of the Study
This study will be useful especially for the coming youths of Nigeria to have good knowledge of the concepts of religious conflict and its effect on educational development in Nigeria and also to enable the parents and guidance’s to have this information at their disposal that will assist them in training their children in the way he/she should go, so that when the child is matured, he will not depart from it and parents will know their responsibilities to teach their children on good behaviours at all levels. It will enable the government to carry out its responsibilities accordingly.
Also, the school as place for educating children and a place of learning will benefit from this study because; it will give room for the educational in secondary schools to put more efforts in teaching/learning of religious studies.
- Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study covers selected school students of Oorelope Local Government Area, Oyo State. However, to allow for thorough research work and considering the time duration stipulated for this work, the researcher has limited to Some Selected Secondary Schools in Oorelope local Government.
The Secondary Schools are:
- Irepo Grammar School, Igboho.
- Ifelodun Grammar School, Igboho
- Igbohomore Grammar School, Igboho.
- Baptist High School, Igboho.
- Comprehensive High School, Igboho.
- Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined as follows:
Religion: This is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Also it can be a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
Conflict: This is to come into collision or disagreement: be contradictory, at variance, or in opposition; clash. Also it can be to fight or contend; do battle.
Effect: This is a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
Also it can be the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play. Film or broadcast or personal belongings or cause (something) to happen, bring about.
Education: This is the process of facilitating learning, knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits of a group of people are transferred to other people, through storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, or research. Also education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves in a process called autodidactic learning.
Development: This is a gradual growth of something so that it becomes more advanced, stronger e.t.c. Also it can be the process of growing, progressing or developing.
Oorelope Local Government: This is one of the local governments in Oke-Ogun and it consist of two town and some villages; such as Igboho, Igbope, Ologundudu, Amokemure, Aba-sosi and Oloko e.t.c.
Government: This is a group of people who are responsible for controlling a country or a state. It can also be view as the exercise of political authority over the actions, affairs e.t.c. as well as their performance of certain functions for this unit or body. The action of governing political rule and administration.
