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Communal Conflicts and Nation Building in Nigeria: Counselling as a Panacea for Sustainable Peace

Ebikabowei MUSAH, Henry Ajikere

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Ebikabowei MUSAH Corresponding Author

Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Nigeria.

ORCID: 0000-0001-8894-6260

Correspondence: mshebikabowei@gmail.com

Abstract

This library-based research paper explores the persistent issue of communal conflicts in Nigeria and their impact on national unity and development. These conflicts, often driven by ethnic, religious and resource-based tensions, have posed significant challenges to Nigeria’s nation-building efforts. The article emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution, highlighting counselling as a critical tool for fostering sustainable peace. Counselling is presented as an effective method to address the underlying psychological, emotional and social factors that fuel communal tensions. By promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation, counselling can help to prevent the recurrence of conflicts and contribute to long-term stability. The article further argues that counselling interventions should be integrated into national peace-building strategies, involving both government and community-level actors. It stresses the importance of professional counsellors skilled in conflict resolution techniques. Ultimately, the article suggests that a well-coordinated counselling framework can serve as a panacea for the deep-seated divisions in the Nigerian society, thereby contributing to the nation’s development and unity. The paper concludes that sustainable peace is a foundational element of nation-building, achievable through psychological healing and inclusive dialogue.

Keywords: Communal Conflict, Nation-building, Counselling, Sustainable Peace, Conflict Resolution.
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How to Cite

APA

MUSAH, E., & Ajikere, H. (2026). Communal Conflicts and Nation Building in Nigeria: Counselling as a Panacea for Sustainable Peace. British Journal of Advanced Research, 1(5), Article 040. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-8VKZJ3A3

MLA

MUSAH, Ebikabowei, and Henry Ajikere. "Communal Conflicts and Nation Building in Nigeria: Counselling as a Panacea for Sustainable Peace." British Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 1, no. 5, 2026, article 040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-8VKZJ3A3

Chicago

MUSAH, Ebikabowei, and Henry Ajikere. "Communal Conflicts and Nation Building in Nigeria: Counselling as a Panacea for Sustainable Peace." British Journal of Advanced Research 1, no. 5 (2026): 040. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-8VKZJ3A3

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ISSN 3153-709X
Tracking ID BJAR_OCT_26_123
Article No. 040
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Article Info
Journal BJAR
Volume Vol 1, No 5
Year 2026
Type Review Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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