Abstract

The thrust of this paper is to x-ray the meaning of critical literacy and examine the role of peace education as a catalyst for sustainable national development in Nigeria. Literacy is the ability to actively reflect on texts, better understand power, inequality and justice in human relationships. The current ugly spate of conflicts and social injustice in the Nigerian society places or demands for peace education programme that will bring about sustainable national development. The height of social injustice in Nigeria has increased militancy, kidnapping, banditry, farmers'/herdsmen crisis, youth restiveness and terrorism. Peace education is a process of peace building that teaches people how to settle differences. Any nation that is bedeviled with conflicts and crisis cannot sustain her national development. Peace education is, therefore, a type of literacy education that educates children and adults in the dynamics of conflicts and the promotion of peace making skills in homes, schools and communities through channels of socialization. This paper therefore takes the position that critical literacy and peace education are crucial in achieving sustainable national development. Some recommendations are made as way forward.