AWKA – Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, a Professor of English Language at the University of Lagos, has advocated the introduction of peace education in the nation’s school curriculum.
Ezeigbo made the call on Saturday at the third edition of a colloquium held at a resource centre in Awka in honour of the late poet and literary scholar, Prof. Ezenwa Ohaeto.
The professor of English spoke on the topic: “Human Rights, Citizenship, Culture, Women Empowerment and Peace Education in Nigeria.”
She contended that peace education could come in handy in addressing the major challenges facing the country.
“Peace education is the type of education that will raise awareness in the child about the issues of tolerance, humane feelings, working for peace rather than violence and strategising on issues of conflict resolution.
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“It should be enshrined in the curriculum from primary to tertiary institutions.
“Apart from introducing it into the school system, it should also be encouraged and practiced at homes, in governance, markets and religious places and town unions,” Ezenwa said.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Odia Ofeimun, had lauded the founders of the resource centre.
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Ofeimun noted that Anambra was a gateway for African literature because renowned African writers like Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo and Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike had roots there.
“Literary endowment should not be allowed to waste or die, rather the state government should strive to create monuments to celebrate the literary icons found in the cultural environment of the state,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Education, Dr Paul Ifeanyi, said that his administration was passionate about the education sector.
Obiano promised to encourage the use of the published books of the bi-annual colloquium in schools across the state.
Dr Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, the wife of the late scholar, said that the centre was established to encourage creative writing and revive reading culture among children.
Ohaeto, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, however, appealed to the state government and public spirited individuals to appreciate and support the youths.
She disclosed that the centre plans to hold literary competitions for secondary schools in the state soon.
The occasion was also attended by Sen. Chris Ngige, Sen. Andy Uba as well as the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku. (NAN)