HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY DIGITAL MUSEUM ABUJA, FOR PEACE EDUCATION PROMOTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Museums serve as crucial platforms for education, cultural preservation, and social transformation. In Nigeria, a country marked by ethnic, religious, and political conflicts, peace education is essential for national unity. This study explores the role of the Nigerian Army Digital Museum (NADM) in Abuja as a tool for promoting peace education. The research employs a qualitative approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews on 25 people comprising of museum staff, educators, and visitors, non-participant observations, and an analysis of museum records and promotional materials. Findings reveal that NADM effectively utilizes digital exhibits, historical narratives, and guided tours to foster understanding, reconciliation, and critical discussions on conflict resolution. The study highlights that interactive storytelling and digital engagement significantly enhance visitors’ perceptions of peace and unity. However, challenges such as limited public awareness, funding constraints, and accessibility barriers hinder the museum’s full potential in peace education. The research underscores the need for expanding outreach programs, strengthening digital infrastructure, and fostering collaborations with educational institutions and peace organizations. By integrating museum-based learning into Nigeria’s broader peace education framework, NADM can serve as a model for leveraging cultural institutions in national reconciliation efforts. Future studies should examine the long-term impact of museum-led peace education on societal attitudes toward conflict resolution and cohesion.