Eradicating cultism in institutions

it is an incontrovertible fact that whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution. Cultism in our institutions of higher learning is not an exception to this rule.

Cultism is perhaps one of the greatest problems confronting our tertiary institutions today. Secret cults are rampant in schools all over the world, and it is no more news that they have expanded their territory by moving to secondary and even primary schools.

This social malaise is having negative effects on the educational and moral standards of students. Innocent ones are being lured into devious groups, and ultimately into vices such as drug abuse, armed robbery, murder and so on.

Many students become members of secret cults because of the thirst for power and authority. In Nigerian schools, the main reason students become cultists is to fight those who oppress them: the “wicked” lecturer, school authorities or the opposition cult members. No wonder then that there are countless cases of murder.

Others join cult groups to acquire fame. The cult members are believed to have rich and influential sponsors.

One major problem is the lack of moral education by parents, which contributes largely to the quality of products turned over to the universities from primary and secondary schools.

It may be difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate cultism. Nevertheless, it can be reduced if parents enforce discipline on their children.

Parents should adopt good parenting methods. They should create time for their children, and visit them at school.

School authorities, on their part, should have high discipline and ensure the eradication of all forms of  vices.

There should be awareness programmes on the ills of cultism and the consequences. The government should punish perpetrators  severely.

Boluwatife Akintomide

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