In an act to develop education sector, Ayo Hammed, the professor of Counselling Psychology and Peace Studies at the University of Ibadan, has urged the  National Crime Prevention Commission (NCPC) to address the issues of youth violence in the country.

Hammed made this known during his inaugural lecture themed, ‘We die here today: Youth violence, social dysfunction, and a counselling psychologist’s pathway to peace.’

“ The establishment of a National Crime Prevention Commission charged with peace education can provide national leadership on effective ways to prevent and reduce crime. Peace education can help prevent youth violence and radicalism by teaching youth about the advantages of peace and conflict transformation skills. It should be incorporated into the education curriculum at all levels. Awareness and education are pivotal to ending cultism in lower institutions. The government can partner with private organisations and strengthen early warning systems to curb youth violence. Parents, teachers, guardians, and siblings should also be educated on identifying red flags indicating a child is joining a cult or being bullied,” he said.

Hammed said peace education could help prevent youth violence and radicalism by teaching youth about the advantages of peace and conflict transformation skills.

He stressed that awareness and education were important in tackling cultism in lower institutions.

He urged for a collaborative effort involving government agencies, communities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and law enforcement agencies to address this pressing issue comprehensively and also explore the root causes of youth violence in Nigeria, citing social exclusion, youth unemployment, and a lack of opportunities as primary drivers.

Hammed stressed expertise in human behavior and intervention strategies,  underscoring the importance of victim and offender assessments, observations, and testimonies interpretation in understanding crime, also drawing attention to the vital role of counselling psychologists in mitigating youth violence.

“A key element of the proposed approach is a renewed emphasis on education. Ensuring quality education for all young Nigerians is crucial, equipping them with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities for personal growth.”