Herders- Farmers’ Clashes and Secondary Education in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of herdsmen-farmers’ clashes on secondary education in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study. This research adopted a mixedmethods approach. All the farmers, herders, and 5,110 teachers in the 297 governmentapproved secondary schools in Benue State and the 245 government-approved secondary schools in Nasarawa State made up the population. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique. The "Herdsmen/farmers Clashes and Educational Development Questionnaire (HFCEDQ)" and the "Herdsmen/farmers Clashes and Educational Development Interview Guide" were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistical analysis of frequency counts, percentages, and charts was used to analyze the data. The qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The study found that there was negative influence of herdsmenfarmers’ clashes on students’ enrolment. Students’ enrolment between 2011 and 2021 was very low, specifically 52.9% low and this was attributed to the increase and continuing herders and farmers’ clashes in Benue and Nasarawa States. The study also identified the remote causes and preventive measures to the clashes in the two States in order to ensure students’ access to education in Benue and Nasarawa States. This will among others, guarantee and strengthen the right to education in the context of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-4 (SDGs-4). It recommended among others: reconstruction, resettlement and compensation of displaced farmers and herders. Setting up peace, enlightenment and reconciliation committee. Establishment of ranches. Urgent domestication of the African Great Green Wall Initiative and maintenance of reasonable and effective law enforcement presence in the affected areas.