IPCR mulls establishing peace academy to train 1m Nigerians

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) says it will soon establish a National Peace Academy to provide free online training on peace, justice, and reconciliation for one million Nigerians.

IPCR Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to mark the 2025 International Day of Peace.

The event with the theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, was also held to commemorate the institute’s 25th anniversary.

Ochogwu said the peace academy would produce a new generation of peace ambassadors across the country by offering certified courses accessible to Nigerians from all walks of life.

“As part of our 25th anniversary, we are promising to deliver customised training to Nigerians, one million Nigerians, for free.

“They will be able to log in online, take formal courses on peace, justice and reconciliation, and be certified,” he said.

He cautioned that Nigeria must not ignore the early signs of violent conflict.

The IPCR boss also warned that the country risked becoming a hub for rogue actors in the Sahel if governments at all levels failed to prioritise conflict prevention.

“Governments at all levels must prioritise conflict prevention, invest in peace building infrastructure, and ensure that development policies are conflict sensitive and inclusive.

“We must also strengthen early warning and response systems to prevent small conflicts from escalating into violent crises,” he said.

Ochogwu also reflected on the institute’s 25-year journey since its establishment in 2000 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He highlighted IPCR’s interventions in electoral violence, farmer-herder crises, and communal conflicts, as well as its partnerships with the AU, ECOWAS, UN and other bodies.

The IPCR DG noted that institute  pioneered the Early Warning System, which was later adopted by ECOWAS and the AU, and convened the dialogue that birthed the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.

He said that the institute also developed peace curricula with the National Universities Commission, and advanced Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

According to him, the institute is also working with the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to expand reconciliation and forgiveness training across the civil service.

Ochogwu called on the private sector to support peacebuilding as an investment in stability.

“Once there is conflict, after women and children, the next to be affected is private businesses.

“The organised private sector must invest more in peacebuilding through responsible business practices, conflict-sensitive investments, and support for peace initiatives,” he said.

He also appealed to religious and traditional leaders to use their influence to promote tolerance, and urged the media to ensure conflict-sensitive reporting.

While reeling out the programme of event, he said that interfaith prayers would be held at the National Mosque on Sept. 19 and at the National Ecumenical Centre on Sept. 21.

Ochogwu added that the celebrations would climax with a peace walk, commemorative lecture and panel discussion on Sept. 22.

Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, representing the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Daniel Okoh, while congratulating IPCR on the milestone, pledged continued partnership toward advancing peace.

Also speaking, Mrs. Josephine Etta of the StandSafe Society Against Drug and Substance Abuse (SSADASA), praised IPCR’s collaboration in addressing drug abuse, which she described as the root cause of violence.

“We believe that if we work together as individuals, as communities, as a people, we can actually bring peace home.

“Even perpetrators of violence desire peace one way or the other,” she said.