Social Stratification Dynamics: Exploring the Structural Barriers to Education for Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigerian Society
Sr No:
Page No:
129-137
Language:
English
Authors:
Terfa Jato*, Patricia Iordye
Received:
2025-02-28
Accepted:
2025-03-13
Published Date:
2025-03-16
Abstract:
Nigeria, a nation vast in cultural diversity, reckons with persistent challenges
prejudicial to peaceful co-existence. This paper explores the intricate dynamics of social
stratification in Nigeria, with particular reference to its impact on education and the resulting
challenges to peaceful co-existence. The central problem addressed in this study is how social
stratification, exacerbated by endemic corruption and economic disparities, creates structural
barriers to equitable access to quality education, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inequality and
hindering peaceful coexistence. To address the problem, the paper adopts a comprehensive
methodology based on the systematic review and synthesis of knowledge and information from a
wide range of sources – including academic research, reports from international organisations,
insights from reputable news outlets and ground-level perspectives shared on personal blogs.
The findings of the synthesis indicate that, despite Nigeria's oil wealth, the concentration of
resources and power among the upper strata of society relegates those outside the strata to the
lowest levels of the stratification system, while keeping those already at the lowest strata from
rising. Corruption emerges as a key factor in these dynamics, inflating governance costs and
leading to mismanagement of public resources. To navigate the challenging dynamics of social
stratification and its impact on education for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, the paper
stresses the need to address educational inequalities through mandatory free education,
scholarships, stepped-up anti-corruption efforts and improved infrastructure in underprovided
communities.
Keywords:
Social Stratification, Education, Dynamics. Peaceful Co-existence and Corruption