FG laments rising cases of exams malpractice, other vices in schools

THE Federal Government has lamented the rising cases of examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism and other vices in secondary schools in the country. As a result, it and has directed principals to resuscitate relevant school clubs and societies such as agric, press, literary and debating societies to keep the mind of students occupied with useful thoughts.

Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, speaking at a meeting for sensitisation of parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders to kick out vices in secondary schools, expressed worry that in recent times, there has been growing concern about the infiltration of vices that threaten to compromise the very foundations upon which the nation’s institutions stand.

The event was attended by students drawn from various secondary schools across the country, principals, teachers, parents and other key stakeholders.

Sununu said there was the need to create an environment that empowers students to make positive choices and resist the allure of vices that threaten to derail their potential.

“Social vices cut across ethnic nationalities, races and even religious divides. They are bad traits; unhealthy and negative characters exhibited by individuals which attack the very essence of society.

“Some of the social vices include but not limited to examination malpractice, indecent dressing, prostitution, thuggery, cultism, drug addiction, smoking, robbery, premarital sex, bullying/fagging, cybercrimes, kidnapping, ritual killing, gender violence, among others,” the Minister stated.

Sununu added that it was in view of the damage caused by these vices, and the need for all stakeholders in education to proffer solutions on how to curb this social menace, that the Unity Schools Division of Senior Secondary Education Department organised the sensitisation programme for parents, teachers and students on the need to kick-out vices in secondary schools in Nigeria.

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The Minister lamented that these vices, which had eaten deep into the fabric of the nation, especially amongst students in secondary schools, now cause them to divert and channel their energies to malpractices instead of being serious with their academic output.

“Secondary schools are not just places of learning but nurturing grounds where young minds are shaped, and values instilled. However, in recent times, there has been growing concern about the infiltration of vices that threaten to compromise the very foundations upon which our institutions stand.

“It is our collective responsibility to address this issue head-on and create an environment that fosters growth.

“A school is not only a place for academic pursuits but also a sanctuary where values are cultivated. It is a place where respect, integrity, and discipline should be held with the highest regard.

“We must work together to create an environment that empowers our students to make positive choices, to resist the allure of vices that threaten to derail their potential.

“As educators, parents, and mentors, we cannot turn a blind eye to this issue; we must confront it with courage and determination,” stated.

Sununu stressed on the imperative of educating students about the consequences of engaging in destructive behaviours, saying this would improve academic performance and sound moral values through constant counselling and supervision in order to rid the secondary schools of these vices.

The director of Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, in her welcome speech urged students to embrace their role as agent of change and reject the allure of vices, while striving for excellence in all that they do.

She lamented that secondary schools; once revered as bastions of knowledge and character formation, are now grappling with a myriad of vices that threaten the very peace of the society.

“From substance abuse to examination malpractice, from bullying to cultism, these vices have infiltrated our educational institutions, corroding the minds and souls of our future leaders.

“But amidst this grim reality, there is hope. The power to effect change lies within each and every one of us gathered here today.

“It is incumbent upon us – parents, teachers, and students alike to unite in our resolve to root out these vices and reclaim the sanctity of our schools,” she said.