Political Violence and Secondary School Education in Nigeria: A Case Study of Bette-Bendi People of Cross River State

Abstract

The main objective of conducting this study was to examine and analyze, in the context of Bette-Bendi
people of Cross River State, Nigeria, the relationship between political violence and secondary school
education and test for causality between them. Bette-Bendi people, who are in the volatile Niger Delta
region, were used as case study. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated to
guide the research. Data gathered were analyzed with the x2, v-statistic and factor analysis involving fifteen
variables. All three null hypotheses were rejected in favour of their alternatives. The main finding confirmed
a strong relationship between political violence and secondary school education. The study concluded that
the Nigerian government should set up a Committee of Experts to develop a Survivalist Curriculum in line
with the work of Academic Associates Peace Works in Taraba and Delta States as the most ideal for
secondary school education in Bette-Bendi and all politically violent and unstable areas for a permanent
resolution of crises and behaviour control in those areas throughout the country.