Department of Peace and Conflict Studies The world today is experiencing numerous conflicts and security challenges, making the promotion of peace and conflict resolution more important than ever. Complex conflicts at local, national, and international levels require critical analysis, effective management, and sustainable solutions. In response to these growing challenges, Veritas University Abuja offers programmes in Peace and Conflict Studies designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to analyze conflicts, develop effective resolution strategies, and promote sustainable peace within their communities and beyond. As conflicts continue to escalate within Nigeria and across the global community, there is an urgent need for individuals, especially agents of peace, to acquire the competencies necessary for conflict prevention, management, and resolution. Recognizing the importance of this field, Veritas University Abuja established the Peace and Conflict Studies undergraduate programme in the 2018/2019 academic session. The programme initially operated under the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy within the Faculty of Social Sciences, offering a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. In October 2024, the University Senate approved Peace and Conflict Studies as an independent department. The Department is committed to producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, policy development, conflict transformation, and sustainable development. The programme is designed for individuals who seek to make a positive impact in society and acquire skills that will enhance their personal, professional, and leadership capacities. The philosophy of the Peace and Conflict Studies programme is rooted in the broader objectives of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the national educational goals of Nigeria. The programme seeks to produce highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can make meaningful contributions to the development of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community through scholarship, research, and professional practice in Peace and Conflict Studies. The objectives of the programme are to enable students to critically analyze the causes, dynamics, and resolution of armed conflicts in both national and international contexts. It seeks to develop globally relevant competencies and 21st-century skills that enhance employability and professional effectiveness. The programme is also designed to establish a globally recognized centre for research in peace and conflict studies, integrating both policy and practice while maintaining excellent research resources. Students are guided to understand the concept of positive peace beyond the absence of violence, embracing justice, reconciliation, human development, and social cohesion. The Department equips students with knowledge of peacebuilding theories, peacekeeping, peacemaking, conflict transformation, and post-conflict reconstruction strategies. It also provides a platform for intellectual discourse, research, and policy development through the exchange of ideas and critical engagement. Furthermore, the programme promotes peace and sustainable development within local communities, Nigeria, and the international community through productive engagement and advocacy. Students develop practical skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict management through simulations, case studies, and experiential learning. They are also trained in conflict mapping and conflict analysis techniques to assess current crises, identify underlying causes, and forecast potential conflicts. Through quality teaching, research, community engagement, and professional training, the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies prepares graduates to become peacebuilders, mediators, negotiators, policy analysts, researchers, and development practitioners capable of addressing contemporary challenges and contributing to a more peaceful and just society. Students of the Department have consistently distinguished themselves in various scholarly and extracurricular activities, particularly in debating competitions and academic engagements. Over the years, they have represented the University creditably in national debating championships and other intellectual forums. At the All Nigerian Youth Debating Championship hosted by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State, from March 27 to March 31, 2026, students of the Department, including Ondoma Jeffrey, Esther Odih, Cyprian Francis, and Michael Chibuike, participated and performed remarkably well. The tournament brought together university students and graduates from across Nigeria and featured highly competitive debating rounds. The Department also recorded success at the 11th edition of the All Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC 2024), hosted by Veritas University Abuja. During the competition, Ondoma Jeffrey emerged as the 10th Best Speaker, earning a medal and bringing recognition to the Department and the University. In furtherance of its commitment to experiential learning, the Department organized an academic excursion to the Federal Ministry of Defence Headquarters (Ship House), Abuja, on May 4, 2026. The delegation, comprising fifty-four students and members of staff, visited the Ministry to bridge classroom learning with practical exposure to governance, national security, defence administration, and policy formulation. A major highlight of the visit was an interactive session with the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), where students gained valuable insights into national security issues and leadership. The Ministry also provided career mentorship sessions, offering guidance on career opportunities in strategic intelligence, diplomacy, defence administration, and the broader national security architecture.