ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR RECOVERY IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Environments that are fraught with conflict tend to generally be devoid of peace and stability. Major goals that dominate the post conflict period include: negotiating peace, resettling of displaced persons, reestablishing order via the rule of law and overall stabilizing of the political landscape. A parallel goal in post-conflict environments, particularly in situations where the conflict was domestic – such as the Boko Haram insurgency – is purging the communities of insurgents to end violence.

In post-conflict North Eastern Nigeria, trade and enterprise if introduced, could pave the way for increased levels of economic recovery as well as serve as a catalyst for rebuilding and resettling community members who were previously displaced. Governments seeking to actively rebuild in post-conflict zones should consider facilitating private-sector efforts by actively working to improve the institutional environment for doing business.

This article examines the role of entrepreneurship education in the recovery of post-conflict North Eastern Nigeria, and argues that while education tends to be a low reconstruction priority, it has the potential, if addressed strategically, to act as a catalyst for effective and sustainable post-conflict recovery. The article examines education within a broader context of post-conflict recovery and education and addresses the policy implications thereof.