Impact of Jos Crises on Pattern of Students/Teachers’ Population in Schools and Its Implication on the Quality of Teaching and Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the pattern of students/teachers' population in schools as a result of the crises witnessed in Jos and its consequences on quality of teaching as well as peaceful living in Jos. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select the 18 schools that were used for this study. Questionnaire was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data on students' enrolment/population by religion; teachers' mix by religion; and on general information on how the crises affected the schools. The data collected were analyzed using percentages and frequencies as presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that a significant difference exists between the students' population before 2001 and from 2001 to 2014 along religious lines in schools as a result of the crises. It was also revealed that quality of learning was affected negatively in many schools as a result of movement of Christian teachers from their earlier settlements to seemingly new safe places. The paper recommends among others that the pattern of settlement along ethnic and religious lines should be discouraged by the government. In order to achieve this, result oriented dialogue should be facilitated by the state and local government, where ethnic, religious groups and individuals should be encouraged to embrace peaceful co-existence. Besides this, to assuage the scourge of the crises, houses and other properties burnt and destroyed during the crises should be built by the government or adequate compensation paid where necessary.