Common Crimes – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Common social problems are recurring problematic behaviours in our society. In Nigeria they include kidnapping, armed robbery, corruption, examination malpractice, cultism and drug addiction. Causes include a bad economy, parental neglect, peer group influence, corruption, and the influence of the internet and television.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• list common social problems in Nigeria;
• explain examination malpractice and cultism;
• state the causes and solutions of examination malpractice and cultism;
• state the causes of social issues and problems.

What are the common social problems in Nigeria?

Common social problems in Nigeria are:

1. Kidnapping
2. Armed robbery
3. Corruption
4. Examination malpractice
5. Prostitution
6. Drug addiction
7. Internet fraud
8. Religious and ethnic conflict
9. Lack of cooperation
10. Electoral malpractice, etc.

What is examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice is an illegal method used by students to pass examinations and acquire certificates.

Causes of examination malpractice

1. Laziness
2. Incompetent teachers
3. Parental influence
4. Love of money
5. Activities of corrupt school owners

Solutions to examination malpractice

1. Students should be diligent and hardworking.
2. School owners who perpetrate examination malpractice should be condemned and blacklisted.
3. Offenders should receive severe punishment.
4. More facilities should be provided in schools to aid learning.

What is cultism?

Cultism is the activity of people with dangerous beliefs. Its origin is traceable to the Pyrates Confraternity, founded by the Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka at University College Ibadan in 1953. At first, the members aimed to end tribalism and the colonial mentality of most Nigerians. Now the reverse is the case. Cultists are known for violence, killing, and attacking non-members, such as lecturers and students who offend them.

Causes of cultism

1. Craving for power
2. Search for security
3. Influence of friends
4. Search for love

Solutions to cultism

1. Parents should train their children at an early age in the way of the Lord.
2. Religious leaders should organise more transforming programmes for youths.
3. The government should enlighten society more on the danger of cultism.

What causes social issues and problems?

1. Bad economy: Many citizens engage in social problems because of loss of jobs, low standard of living, a high level of unemployment, poverty, etc.
2. Parental neglect: Many youths are neglected by their parents at a tender age because of political ambition and the rush for wealth. Such children move with corrupt friends who influence them negatively.
3. Peer group influence: Many youths are innocent, but the influence of friends leads them to become cultists, fraudsters, drug addicts, armed robbers, etc.
4. Corruption: Many school owners, principals, teachers and government officials encourage all forms of examination malpractice by collecting bribes from parents and students.
5. Influence of the internet and television: Social media has exposed many youths to bad behaviour.

Evaluation

1. List five common social problems in Nigeria.
2. What is examination malpractice?
3. State three causes of examination malpractice.
4. Who founded the confraternity from which cultism is traced, and why was it founded?
5. State three solutions to cultism.

Assignment

Explain any three causes of social issues and problems in Nigeria.