Historical Antecedents of Boko Haram Insurgency and Its Implications for Sustainable and Educational Development in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of higher education in any economy is enormous. It is acknowledged in the literature that education has a positive relationship with the sustainable development in different countries. The purpose of this study was to x-ray the historical antecedents of Boko Haram insurgency and its implications for sustainable and educational development in North Central of Nigeria. Historical research design was used in the study. The paper therefore examined the origin of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, cases of Boko Haram and its implications for sustainable and educational development of the North Central Nigeria. The study showed numerous effects of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria to include economical, political and social as well as educational in Northern states of Nigeria. Economically, the nature and operation in the area of economic activities of the states concerned are dead resulting to migration of people from the affected places to other areas due to restiveness. Also, educationally, schools are not left out as parents are rejecting their children schooling in volatile North. Many schools have been closed down due to Boko Haram activities, talented lecturers, teachers have abandoned their schools for other schools in other peaceful states leading to brain drained syndrome. More than 800 school buildings are affected in the north, leading to some students having lessons under trees and canopies. Also, school girls are abducted. The paper therefore recommended a proactive and pragmatic approach to quelling this menace including the provision of employment for unemployed ones and proper education for non educated ones.

Keywords: Boko Haram Insurgency, sustainable development and educational development