Stakeholders canvass security education for better society

STAKEHOLDERS have underscored the need for a collective commitment to integrating security education into national frameworks to build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

They called for revision of the country’s educational curriculum to incorporate security education as a comprehensive strategy to address key challenges such as insurgency, corruption, ethno-religious violence and inter-communal crises.

The appeal was made during the 17th International Security Conference, organised by the Institute of Security, Nigeria, in Lagos.

Themed, “Advancing Security Education for Stable Political Systems, Socio-Economic Development, Good Governance, and Mitigating Terrorism in Nigeria,” the conference gathered experts, policymakers and prominent personalities to discuss strategies for enhancing national security.

Delivering the keynote address, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Prof. Tunde Babawale, highlighted the importance of security as a fundamental aspect of human existence.

He stressed the need to learn from historical failures to effectively address contemporary threats.

Babawale warned that these challenges not only undermine political stability, but also hinder socio-economic progress, with significant repercussions for agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

He canvassed advancing security education to address the issues, emphasising its potential to foster political stability, socio-economic development, and good governance.

The don proposed several practical measures such as raising youth awareness, revising the educational curriculum to integrate security education, promoting peaceful coexistence, and updating teacher training programmes.

He described security education as vital for cultivating a culture of peace, and empowering communities to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

President of the Institute of Security, Prof. Dele Olowokudejo, urged stakeholders to uphold democratic principles, and embrace non-violent political practices.

He underlined the critical role of political and security education in promoting peace and stability nationwide.

In his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the institute, Adebayo Akinade, stressed the alignment of the yearly conference with the organisation’s mission of fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in security, safety, and protection.

He also showcased the institute’s professional programsmes geared at elevating the competence of security practitioners through diplomas and specialist certifications.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai, lauded his being named as the institute’s second patron.