FUNCTIONAL ADULT AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION FORPROMOTINGNATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the roles of functional adult and non-formal education in promoting a sustainable national security in Nigeria. In Nigeria, security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, religious intolerance, banditry, and assassination have been linked to falling education standards, youth unemployment, and corruption. Adult and non-formal education aims at preventing violent conflict in advance and educating individuals and societies for peaceful and harmonious coexistence, which in turn promotes tolerance, non-violence, equity, respect for one another, and social justice. The study employed a systematic method of review. Secondary data was used in the study. Literate individuals and societies resolve conflicts peacefully without resorting to violence or war, which adversely affects the socio-economic, political, and cultural life of the people and the development of any nation. This type of education aims to prevent future conflicts and educate individuals and communities to coexist peacefully and harmoniously, promoting values like tolerance, non-violence, equality, and respect. The findings of the study revealed that educated individuals and societies are more likely to resolve disputes without resorting to violence, which negatively impacts society, politics, culture, and development. In Nigeria, ethnic tensions sometimes arise due to underdevelopment, falling education standards, corruption, unemployment, and political, social, and economic disparities, leading to violent clashes and conflicts. This research examines various aspects of adult and non-formal education, such as the features of functional adult and non-formal education for sustainable national security, some of the causes of insecurity in Nigeria, and some relationships between functional adult and non-formal education for promoting national security in Nigeria. It also identifies challenges in adult and non-formal education and proposes strategies to achieve national peace, security, and development.