PeaceTech in Higher Education: Digital Technologies for Conflict Prevention and Peace-Building among Postgraduate Students in Universities in Kwara State

Saheed Abdulsalam OYENIYI; Abdulahi Adedolapo  AHMED; Abdullateef Dasola  HUSSAIN

Saheed Abdulsalam OYENIYI Center for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abdulahi Adedolapo AHMED Department of Science Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abdullateef Dasola HUSSAIN Center for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Keywords: PeaceTech, Digital technologies, Conflict prevention, Peacebuilding, Postgraduate students, Higher education

Abstract

Background of Study: Integration of digital technologies in universities has transformed social interaction and communication among students. While these technologies offer opportunities for collaborative learning and engagement, they also pose challenges related to conflicts and misunderstandings. PeaceTech, as a digital approach to peacebuilding, has emerged as a potential tool to mitigate conflicts and encourage constructive dialogue in academic settings.

Aims and Scope of Paper: This study aims to examine the level of awareness and utilisation of PeaceTech tools among postgraduate students, evaluate their effectiveness in promoting peace, and investigate the relationship between digital literacy and peacebuilding attitudes. The scope is limited to three universities in Kwara State: University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, and Al-Hikmah University.

Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted. A sample of 377 postgraduate students was selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected through the PeaceTech and Digital Technology Utilisation Questionnaire (PDTUQ) and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and regression analysis.

Results: Postgraduate students demonstrated high awareness and utilisation of PeaceTech tools. Digital literacy positively correlated with peacebuilding attitudes. Utilisation of PeaceTech significantly influenced conflict prevention among students.

Conclusion: PeaceTech and digital technologies effectively promote peaceful coexistence and responsible digital engagement in higher education. Integrating digital peacebuilding strategies can strengthen conflict prevention and enhance students’ capacity for collaborative and peaceful interaction.

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