Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. analyse the concepts of peace, conflict, and security;
2. list major forms, types, and root causes of conflict and violence;
3. differentiate between conflict and terrorism;
4. enumerate security and peace building strategies; and
5. describe roles of international organisations, media, and traditional institutions in peace
building.
Course Contents
Concepts of Peace, Conflict, and Security in a multi-ethnic nation. Types and Theories of
Conflicts: Ethnic, Religious, Economic, Geo-political Conflicts; Structural Conflict Theory,
Realist Theory of Conflict, Frustration-Aggression Conflict Theory. Root causes of Conflict and
Violence in Africa: Indigene and settlers Phenomenon; Boundaries/border disputes; Political
disputes; Ethnic disputes and rivalries; Economic Inequalities; Social disputes; Nationalist
Movements and Agitations; Selected Conflict Case Studies – Tiv-Jukun; Zango Kataf,
Chieftaincy, and Land disputes, etc. Peace Building, Management of Conflicts and Security:
Peace & Human Development. Approaches to Peace & Conflict Management — (Religious,
Government, Community Leaders, etc.). Elements of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution:
Conflict dynamics assessment Scales: Constructive & Destructive. Justice and Legal
framework: Concepts of Social Justice; The Nigeria Legal System. Insurgency and Terrorism.
Peace Mediation and Peace Keeping. Peace & Security Council (International, National, and
Local levels) Agents of Conflict resolution – Conventions, Treaties Community Policing:
Evolution and Imperatives. Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR. a) Dialogue b). Arbitration,
c). Negotiation d). Collaboration, etc. Roles of International Organisations in Conflict
Resolution. (a). The United Nations, UN, and its Conflict Resolution Organs. (b). The African
Union & Peace Security Council (c). ECOWAS in Peace Keeping. Media and Traditional
Institutions in Peace Building. Managing Post-Conflict Situations/Crisis: Refugees. Internally
Displaced Persons, IDPs. The role of NGOs in Post-Conflict Situations/Crisis
