effect of cultism in nigeria

Article category:
Education
A secret cult can be defined as an
organization of which people come together
to pledge their allegiances, under an oath
and have a social bond of commitment and
dedication for the good of the
organization. Their activities are kept
secret- thus the name “secret cult”, and
kept away from other members of the
society or non-members of the group. Secret
cults carry out their meetings when people
are not aware of, especially during the
odd-hours and far away from residencies.
This act is cultism and someone who
practices it is a cultist.
Secret cults are rampant in schools all over
the world. It was known to be at its peak in
tertiary institutions but it is no more news
that have expanded their territories to
secondary and even primary schools. This
social vice is eating up the educational and
moral standard of students. Innocent ones
are being lured into the vice and other
social vices such as drug abuse, armed
robbery, murder etc.
Reasons Why People Join Secret Cults
1. Quest For Power and Revenge
Many people or students become members of
secret cults because of the thirst for power
and authority. This is common among those
with the aim of fighting for their rights. In
Nigeria schools, the main reason why people
become cultist is to fight those who oppress
them, the wicked lecturer, school authorities
and the opposite cult members. No wonder,
the countless cases of murder, blood-shed ,
revenge in schools with high cultism rate.
2. Popularity and Wealth
Some are found in this group so as to
become known, dreaded and wealthy. The
cult members are believed to have rich and
influential sponsors. Becoming a member
serves as a bonus to meet the rich people in
the country and also to become rich.
Effects of Cultism on Education
1. Disruption of Academic Calendar
An institution with high cultism rate will
always be closed down because of the
frequent fights, clashes , unrest and blood-
shed. The school authority will be forced to
close down the school and students will not
have a choice but to flee for their lives and
safety. A school can be closed for days,
months and even years. Students are prone
to spend more years in school
2. Loss of Lives and Properties
There is an adage that says “when two
elephant fight, the grass suffers”. When
crisis associated with cultism arises,
properties, lives of victims and innocent
people will be lost. Cultists are known to be
violent, merciless and always high on drugs.
When they fight against the school
authorities, buildings,
structures, equipment and properties may be
burnt or destroyed.
3. Fall in Education Standard
Frequent closure of schools, damages of
properties, loss of lives and all other
consequences associated with cultism result
to the fall in education standard in
Nigeria. Parents will find it hard to send
their wards to such schools; good and
experienced lecturers will prefer to be
transferred to another school where there
safety will be secured.
4. Fear and Insecurity
Students will always be in fear in schools
with this menace. They will not be totally
focused on their studies as they will not
have peace of mind. Students will always be
cautioned and will restrict their movement
so as not to fall victims of rape, assaults
and death.
Possible Solutions To Cultism
1. Discipline
Parents should enforce discipline on their
children. They adopt good parenting styles,
have time for their children, visit them at
schools and monitor their children. Also,
parents should live exemplary lives and
desists from secret organizations. School
authorities should have high discipline and
ensure total eradication of all form of
social vices.
2 Pubic Campaigns against Cultism
Schools, religious houses, Parents, Students,
government, non-governmental
organization and the society as a whole
should wage against cultism through
seminars, workshops,  campaigns and talks.
The dangers associated with it should be
preached to the students.
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