05/05/2017
Decadence in our Educational Sector
CURBING MORAL DECADENCE IN THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR: YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT.
What is Moral? And what is Decadence?
Moral can be defined as giving guidance on how to behave decently and honestly. It can also be seen as relating to issues of right and wrong and to how individuals should
behave. It can be seen as something ethical, good, right, proper, honourable, just, principled etc.
Decadence means the process of decline or decay in a society especially in its morals. It's also a state of immorality, corruption, debauchery, dissolution, self indulgence, profligacy, excess etc.(Micro soft Student Encarta 2008.)
From the above definitions of moral and decadence, we can easily say what moral decadence is all about.
Moral decadence is decline, decay and profligate in the moral values of individuals and society at large. It is the decay in the ethical values and norms that govern an individual and the society at large. A society where there is decline in moral values, what is wrong becomes right, what society should abhor becomes what they uphold.
Therefore relating this to the educational sector, our educational sector has been beclouded with immoral acts (moral decadence). What is said to be ivory tower or citadel of learning has been turned in to a breeding ground for hoodlums, ra**st, pr******te, etc. The educational system is losing its moral and social values. The big question is who is responsible for all these immorality? What is the root cause of these social vices? What can possibly be done to curb these ugly vices in our educational system? All these and more will be deliberated in this chapter.
Types of Moral Decadence.
Cultism.
R**e.
Examination Malpractices.
Indecent dressing.
Teenage Pregnancy.
Student Prostitution.
Sexual harassment.
Sales of "Grade".
Student Demonstration etc.
We will briefly discuss on the causes of some of these listed above.
Cultism/ Secret Cult.
According to Denga(1991),cultism is a system of religious belief and practice or an ideology. Orukpe (1988) defined secret cult as a group of people who share and propagate peculiar secret beliefs divulge only to members. In addition their initiation procedures often involves secret rituals like swearing by deity, human blood and other procedures which send shivers down the spines of most people.
Origin of Cultism/ Secret Cult.
The origin of secret cult could be traced back in 1953 in Nigeria tertiary institution-University college, Ibadan now known as university of Ibadan(UI).It was formed by Nigeria's only Nobel laureate , Prof. Wole Soyinka.Their main objectives include:
To abolish conventions.
To revive the age chivalry.
To end tribalism and elitism.
Their ideas were both patriotic and altruistic as it was not imagined as a secret cult, but simply known as the Pyrate confraternity or the National Association of sea dogs.
Common examples of Secret Cult in our Institutions.
According to Nwadike (2003) there are about 45 secret cults in Nigeria institutions of learning, and all are equipped with an elaborate hierarchy, insignia and distinct attire. Some of the most notable of these secret cults group include:
Sea Dogs.
Black Axe.
Aiye.
Vickings.
Daughters of Jezebel.
Amazons.
White Angels.
Black Brassiers.
Buccaneers.
Morphite.etc
Causes of Cultism/Secrete Cult among the youths/students.
To gain recognition and popularity.
Lack of proper upbringing by their parents.
Bad association or company.
Poverty.
Fear of the Unknown-To fail exam, not being intimated by others, lovers rejection.
Broken Home. Etc
Effects of Secret Cult.
1. It leads to rustication or expulsion of both innocent and guilty students.
2. It leads to outburst of violence on campus which leaves many students wounded, maimed or killed as the case may be.
3. It leads to loss and lack of confidence to the affected students or group.
4. The affected live a life of regrets and pains.
5. Relationship with students, loved ones, parents become bitter, unfriendly or soiled.
6. Leads to armed robbery.
7. Lack of focus in all spheres of life.
8. Not being useful to the society.
9. Relationship with God becomes soiled.etc
Curbing Cultism in our Institutions: The roles of the youths.
Since we have identified the origin, causes and effects of cultism in our higher institutions of learning, how can this menace be curb through our youth's involvement? Some of the workable solutions are as follows:
1. The youth should be properly counseled on peer group relationship.
2. Proper moral upbringing of children and wards by parent should be paramount.
3. Any act of intimidation by cultist should be reported to school authority/school security.
4. There should be improved facilities and living conditions on campuses.
5. Youth should have detailed knowledge of the word of God and its Application.
6. School authority should disassociated themselves from sponsoring cultist in order to achieve their selfish aims or desires like being the VC, HOD, DEAN, etc.
7. Youth should involve in aggressive campaign against cultism.
8. The study of guidance and counseling should be imperative in the school curriculum.
9. Students should be engaged in extra curricular activities; this will help to keep them busy and makes them become useful.
10. Youth should develop moral courage to say NO when such offer comes
11. Always have a positive mind set.etc
Since cultism has no positive moral upbringing, benefits or development, let's shun cultism in all totality.
