The Effect of Online Media Literacy on Peace Education in Public Universities in Rivers State.

Abstract

The curriculum for peace education and national development aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to promote social cohesion and sustainable development in their communities and beyond. It focuses on fostering a culture of peace, understanding and respect for diversity and preparing individuals to actively participate in building peaceful and inclusive societies. In higher institutions of Nigeria peace is vital to facilitate the set goals of students, their institutions and their immediate society. The purpose of this study therefore was to find out the awareness of students on online media literacy and how it affects peace education. Four research questions drawn from the research objectives guided this study. The population for this study were students from Public Universities in Rivers State and 385 students represented the sample of this study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-constructed questionnaire consisting of a 4-point Likert type rating scale which ranged from one (lowest response) to four (highest response). Data gathered was analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings from this study indicated that online media literacy plays a crucial role in the promotion of peace education in the digital age, social media platforms play a prominent role in disseminating misinformation and biassed content among students and a relationship exist between media literacy and peace promotion in Public Universities. Based on the findings some recommendations were also made to guide appropriate stakeholders on the proactive steps to take.