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The rate of cultism in Nigeria universities posses a great challenge to the academic community, parents, government and non-governmental agencies, because they engage in violent Criminal activities such as, rape, arson murder, intimidation, harassment, extortion, armed robbery, drug trafficking and addiction, political thuggery etc, thereby undermining smooth academic activities in some schools.
Cultism seems to be order of the day in most Nigerian universities, though no parent expects their child to partake in any activity in the school other than educational and positive recreational like sports activities. The trend amongst Nigerian students today is that of cultism and violence. The fundamental question is why do students join cultism, what are the consequences of participating in cultism and how can we curb the problems of cultism in our universities?
CULTISM: it has to do with the concept, cult which refers to things that are secret or a form of worship, which basic tenets are only known to and shared by members, (Onadarho 1999).
The imbalances which are inherent in the social structure of the society causes serious stains to some individuals members who were disadvantaged in the social structure therefore forcing them to commit crimes, (Giddens, 2004).
In that context Umar, (2001) argues that social deviance like cultism, is a response by individuals to the situation they find themselves. in a situation where opportunity structure of goals-means is not favourable to majority members of the society in their struggle for the achievement for success, the tendency is that such individuals are likely to deviate. For example, when access to the means of self sustenance and betterment of social life such as money, women, exam score and power is blocked for some students and more open to others, the former will be left with no option than to deviate into crime such as cultism.
Cultism in our universities can be seen as a response of cultists to the socio-economic and political situation they find themselves as created by the social, economic and political structure of our social system (Oyowoyo, 1999).
Given the difficulty surrounding achievement of success both within the University community and Nigeria at large, cultism remains the best alternative for most students and this explains why cultism in our universities exists and may persist. until the imbalance in the social structure of the Nigerian social system is addressed, it will persist or might escalate.
Everything has a purpose (Hunt, 1980). The purpose of cultism to members has to do with the perceived manifest functions, which can be beneficial to members. But then the activities of cult groups can be volatile and destructive to both cultists, nonmembers and society at large. Those who fell apart with their parents, friends and relations as guardians and sponsors of their education and therefore lost hope in making it in life usually get support and succor from cult groups.
According to Sayomi (1996), through the secret cult, members are guaranteed Success in examination as the cult obtains examination question papers before the date of examination for the benefit of members. Where that is not possible, lecturers and invigilators are intimidated and threaten to pass cult members in their examinations. the cult provides money, food and drinks and other needs for members. they guarantee Security of members on campus. students believe that being a member of a cult group will enhance them to capture political power in the student union and have relevant influence on the school authority.
Beyond benefits, cultism has very negative consequences on both members and non-members, members of cult lose their self-identity and self-control in the society. They are always insecured as they are afraid of either getting caught by the law or the University authorities or reprisal attacks by rival groups. A new recruit usually sustains injuries that may lead to amputation or even death during the initiation procedures. Some maybe expelled or rusticated from the school. Most cultist graduates into serious crimes like armed robbery, gunrunning, drug trafficking, assassins, political thugs etc. Innocent students are some time killed and wasted away by cultist who regard such students as a threats to their activities.
Cult members are always known with radical behaviour that are highly aggressive, brutality, coded languages and signs, they move in groups, going to night parties and nocturnal activities, lust for women and money, Carrying weapons all the time, unforgiving and arrogant attitude, tough-looking, high taste for things, unfriendliness, magic sign and symbols such as rings, bangles, chains are hanged in unusual part of the body, always sleeping in class during morning lectures, (Aboki, 200, Onadarho 1999, Ogunbamire, 19997, Mamman, 1998, etc).
Both willing and unwilling students are initiated by Cult-members. the students that attract cult groups are intelligent, generous, tough looking, friendly people, those from the rich family. they pass through various forms of initiations which are tough and violent, (Onadarho 1999). series of beatings, drinking and smoking, unusual sex and giving of unusual and tough assignment, blood vows and blood convent. (Aboki. 2000), argued that part of the reason for this initiation is to toughen the skin of members and their ability to absorb serious pains from torture when caught in the act by law enforcement agents so as not to reveal vital information of the group. Onadarho, (1999) also observe that the initiation also determines who shall be able to undertake tough assignment of the group.
Solutions to cultism in our universities.
- The University authorities should desist from various abuses through inconsistent policies which often lead students to think of protecting their interest with what ever means at their disposal like cult activities.
- Students should be given orientation not later than two weeks of registration into the school so as to enlighten them on the dangers of of getting involved in cultism in school.
- Government at all levels must be more committed to the issue of poverty alleviation as well as eradication.
- The rate of learning obstacles in schools Should be reduced, government must show serious commitment to the educational sector in terms of funding, security and management. only credible persons of proven integrity should be appointed to manage our schools.
– Ojochogwu Stanley Audu, student of Federal University Lokoja of the department of political science, a freelance journalist who also engage in diplomatic services.
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