A Three-Prong Approach to the Transformation of Violent Out-of-School Youth in Nigeria

Oluremi Albert

Abstract



Youth violence is a regular occurrence in Nigeria. Successive administrations in the country find it difficult to put an end to the problem With a view to making a contribution to engaging the issues, this paper identifies two types of youths that could be said to be engaged in violence in the Nigeria society: (a) the educated class that has drifted into violent activities as a result o long period of unemployment and (b) the ‘street boys” who on the account of lack of proper education are unemployed. This paper attempts to answer a number of questions around the latter. The most critical has to do with why young people take such risks that endanger the security and wellbeing of other Nigerians. Two bodies of argument are advanced. Whereas psychological theories blame the problem on personality problems, sociological theories explain it in terms of societal precursors. This paper focuses on the sociological explanation and proposes a three-prong approach for transforming these violent “out-of-school” youth. The approaches are non-formal peace education, life skills counseling and employment opportunities. 

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References


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