INSURGENCY AND ADULT EDUCATION: A REALISTIC APPROACH FOR STABILITY OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Insurgency and terrorism have significantly destabilised Nigeria, with groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and the recently emerging Lakurawa exploiting socio-economic vulnerabilities, weak governance, and regional instability. While military interventions have been employed to combat insurgency, a more sustainable approach incorporating adult education is essential. Adult education serves as a tool for reducing illiteracy, fostering civic awareness, and equipping individuals with vocational skills, thereby addressing the root causes of radicalisation and recruitment into terrorist groups. Additionally, it enhances national cohesion by promoting tolerance, critical thinking, and economic empowerment, ultimately reducing susceptibility to extremist ideologies. The study made use of an analytical approach and highlights how adult education can be integrated into counterinsurgency strategies by providing functional education, de-radicalisation programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives. Given the strong link between poverty, unemployment, and insurgency, equipping individuals with marketable skills can deter them from joining extremist groups. Furthermore, adult education fosters political awareness and encourages active citizenship, reducing the appeal of terrorist organisations. To achieve long-term stability, Nigeria must prioritise adult education as a core component of national security policies, ensuring that vulnerable populations are empowered to contribute positively to society.