Air Vice Marshall Christian Edem K. Dovlo (RTD), Former Commandant, Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre, has advocated the development of educational policies and legislation that support peace and security from the foundational stages of formal education.
That, he said, would contribute to achieving full integration as well as bridge the gap between the formal and informal peace and security education structures.
Air Vice Marshall Dovlo said this at the 10th joint graduation ceremony of Masters’ and PhD degree programmes of the Centre, on the theme “A decade of peace and security education: the role of KAIPTC,” on Thursday, in Accra.
“… Peace and security education is a vital tool to equip new generations with knowledge and skills to face old and emerging threats,” he said.
“Without peace, it is unlikely that our struggling economies and the lives of our people will be transformed, the vast majority of our citizens will continue to live in poverty with all its consequences.”
Air Vice Marshall Dovlo commended the KAIPTC for its immense contribution to peace and security in Africa through education.
He congratulated the graduands, saying the knowledge, fresh insight, and capabilities they had been equipped with would be critical in crafting out holistic solutions to the challenges of the continent.
Major General Francis Ofori, Commandant, KAIPTC, said the peace and security climate of West Africa continued to show a disturbing picture characterised by the twin threats of violent extremism and terrorism.
He said the lack of effective state structures in addition to porous borders had enabled the growth of transnational organised crimes in the region.
“We acknowledge that research is needed to guide future programming and policies, which must be directed at bridging the gap between policies and implementation. Building human capacities and education of citizens on the negative impacts of these crimes are also key to reducing the increase of the crimes.”
Major General Ofori said within the context of the complexities in the peace and security sector, building and nurturing seasoned practitioners was, no doubt, one of the immediate and long-term routes to maintaining and consolidating peace and security on the continent.
“This reinforces the call for a people-centred, comprehensive, and empowerment approaches to ensuring human security needs. It is, therefore, our objective to continue equipping students with the academic foundation, tools, and skills to navigate these difficult times.”
He said the KAIPTC was relentless in creating a learning environment for students to discover and attain their potential and to become effective global citizens.
He said from 2011 to 2021 the Centre had successfully graduated 806 students from 30 countries in various programmes.
“Today we are graduating another set of 105 students from seven countries in the various programmes.
“104 of these students are graduating with a Masters’ degree programme, while one student is graduating with PhD degree programme.”
He entreated the graduands not to be afraid of embracing change.
“With open mindedness, commitment, and persistence irrespective of what lies ahead of you, you should not remain the same. Stay on course, no matter the turbulence around you.”
Dr David Esinu Yao Normanyo, the PhD graduand, in a validatory message, said education was more than acquiring knowledge or being an expert.
He said it had to do with using the skills and knowledge acquired to the benefit of others.
“Our education and certificate will be of no use if it benefits no one. We must amplify the voices of the voiceless and bring attention to issues that need to be addressed,” Dr Normanyo said.
