Across the world, educators are increasingly recognized as frontline builders of peace. In classrooms, children learn more than academic subjects; they absorb values, form relationships, and develop attitudes that shape how they live in society. Where insecurity and violence threaten stability, schools become critical spaces for nurturing empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility.

Nigeria, grappling with deep-rooted insecurity across its regions, is no exception. The country’s challenges, ranging from communal conflicts and drug abuse to violent extremism, demand both security responses and long-term investments in values that promote coexistence. Here, educators stand at the center. By integrating peace education into daily teaching, they have the power to equip young people with the mindset and skills needed to counter division and violence.

Students participating in the 24th Graduation Ceremony at Highgrade International School

This conviction brought over 1,500 people together at Highgrade International School in Aso, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, on August 6, 2025. Organized by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, the program sought to debunk the role of educators in using Peace Education as a tool to stem the tide of insecurity in the country, and coincided with the school’s 24th Graduation Ceremony. More than a celebration of academic achievement, the event was a call to educators, parents, and community leaders to unite in cultivating peace at the grassroots.

Graduation speakers

In his address, school proprietor Mr. Charles Umekwe spoke of raising “a new generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders” who would transform Nigeria through values of honesty, hard work, compassion, and respect. Representing GPF Nigeria, Reverand John Joseph Hayab reminded educators that their role extends beyond instruction: “Teachers are nation builders who shape young minds, instill moral values, and cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility.” He urged students to see education as a call to service, becoming ambassadors of peace in their schools and communities.

Keynote speaker Dr. Saleh Maina of the Sustainable Development Centre, University of Abuja, identified poverty, poor governance, and lack of tolerance as root causes of insecurity. He challenged schools and policymakers to embed Peace and Security Education in the national curriculum and to use extracurricular activities such as debates, drama, and quizzes to instill a sense of unity and mutual understanding among young people. “The whole of society must be at it if we desire a peaceful and secure nation,” he remarked.

Graduation attendees

The message was echoed by other stakeholders. Amnesty International’s Helen Adah described insecurity as one of the gravest violations of human rights, pledging her organization’s support for such initiatives. Mallam Adamu Bayero, Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) emphasized the dangers of substance abuse, noting that “to effectively mitigate violence and tackle insecurity, we must all collaborate to address the issue of

drugs in our homes, schools, and communities.” Parents also lent their voice, with businessman Wilson Jonathan urging continuous training for teachers to better shape students beyond academics. A graduating student, Maryam Mohammed, summed up the impact from a learner’s perspective: “I have learnt the need to love, respect, and tolerate people of other religions and ethnicity, and I am holding on to that.”

For the Global Peace Foundation, the significance of the event lies in advancing its One Family under God vision, a belief that shared values are the foundation for peace, unity, and development. By championing Peace Education, GPF Nigeria sees schools as both centers of learning and as incubators of character and ethical leadership. The initiative builds bridges across families, faiths, and communities, offering a long-term pathway to stem insecurity.

Learn more: Nigeria | Global Peace Foundation