Human Security and Educational Development in the Niger Delta Region

This paper examines the effect of Human Security (HS) on the educational development of the oil rich Niger Delta region as well as means of enhancing human security in Nigeria. Within a HS context, and guided by the impact of oil exploration in the region, data for the study was gathered through documents, observation, interviews and questionnaires. Manifold statistical analyses were conducted to assess the study’s hypotheses. This paper contends that the Niger Delta region has the potential to address the challenges currently faced by Nigeria including social disruption, poverty, hunger, disease, conflict, marginalisation, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This paper argues that the effective integration of the region into federal planning, structures and funding will enhance development, livelihoods, and human security. In turn, human security will contribute to educational development and go a long way to sustaining national and regional progress.