Incorporating “Religion and National Values” (RNV) into the Nigerian University Curriculum for Peace and Development

Abstract This article examines the opportunities for “religion and national values” (RNV) in the national context of shaping Nigerian students through university curriculum. University students are often radicalized by religious fundamentalists and are usually used in the destruction of lives and property. This makes the inclusion of RNV as a course in university curriculum a necessary endeavor for sustaining peace and development in Nigeria, looking at its impact on secondary education. The curriculum of Nigeria’s secondary schools includes the subject “Religion and National Values” which has resulted in widespread religious tolerance, peace, and development. Scholars are yet to look at how these results were achieved and the need for RNV to be included in university curriculum. In this study, the literature was extended to look at how the curriculum can promote national unity, peace, and development at the secondary school level, as well as the need for RNV in the university curriculum. This study utilized documentary analysis, with data gotten from secondary sources. In this study, it was discovered that the Nigerian university curriculum is designed to cater to university students’ economic and political needs at the neglect of religion, which has taken more lives and property in Nigeria. Also, the contents of Nigeria’s educational curriculum increase the dichotomy between Christians and Muslims because of the neglect of a course that touches on religion and national values (RNV). In conclusion, the inclusion of RNV as a course in university curriculum increases unity among students and also reduces the chances of youth being radicalized by terrorist groups. Recommendations are discussed.