Stakeholders in the education sector have emphasized the importance of imparting knowledge about peace to students to build a peaceful society and national development.

This formed part of presentations during the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Education with the theme “Learning for Lasting Peace” organized by the Arabian College, Latiku, Omi-Adio, Ibadan in conjunction with the International Association of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA Oyo State.

The Proprietor of the Arabian College, Dr Muhammadul-awal Musa Alongbija while stressing the significance of sound education in achieving global peace, as enunciated in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO recommendation explained that concepts of tolerance and regard for differing religious beliefs as preached in Islam form part of learning methods of the institution.

“Arabian College is affiliated with the United Nations, it has a shared vision of promoting global peace like the International Association of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA”. Alongbija noted.

Dr Alongbija, who is also the Oyo State Director of IAWPA emphasized that education is central to attaining world peace, and called for more stakeholders’ commitment to attain UNESCO recommendations on human rights, and education for peace and development.

While commending Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his achievements in the education sector, Dr. Alongbija appealed for the incorporation of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs club into the academic curriculum across public schools in the state to groom students for future leadership roles and make them peace ambassadors in the society.

In a lecture, the Chief Missioner of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Dr Daud Amoo-Alaga who established the nexus between Islam, knowledge, and peace said the first verse in the glorious Qur’an which is a guide for Muslims epitomizes knowledge, as greetings in Islam is an expression of peace.

A knowledgeable person should know and exemplify peace in conduct and relationships with other human beings, hence the requirement for Muslims to seek pristine knowledge of Islam and Western education for peace in the world.

In another presentation, an Independent Researcher and Director, Ejiodi Home of Tradition, Ibadan, Dr Fakayode Fayemi stressed the importance of knowledge to functional life, reiterating that parents should inculcate useful knowledge devoid of hatred or discrimination in their children for peace to reign in the society.

Dr. Fayemi, who is one of the IAWPA Eminent Peace Ambassadors in Oyo state pointed out that Yoruba tradition has a natural inclination for peace, thus people should follow rules as laid down by God for a peaceful world.

Another Eminent Peace Ambassador of IAWPA in Oyo State, Chief Awoniyi Amosun preaches love and accommodation among Nigerians for uninterrupted peace.

A parent of the Arabian College, Mrs Rofiat Bakare expressed satisfaction with a combination of Islamic and Western education in the school to prepare students for transformative and all-inclusive knowledge.

Highpoints of the maiden celebration of the International Day of Education by the Arabian College included a display of talents by students such as recitation from the Noble Quran, reading of Hadiths and translations, rendition of poems and poetry on the need for stakeholders to do the needful to improve quality of education, benefits of education for brighter future, a symposium on conflict and conflict resolution with highlights on mediation, dialogue, and understanding as well as Talks on how to take good care of human health and Dying of traditional attire popularly known as Adire or Kampala amongst others.