Cultism III: Eradication of Cultism in Schools – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Eradication of cultism in schools means removing secret-society membership and activity completely, so that students learn in peace.

Behavioural objectives

1. State reasons why cultism is a national problem.
2. List factors that hinder the eradication of cultism in Nigerian schools.
3. Suggest ways of removing cultism from schools.
4. Explain how the eradication of cultism in schools will promote national development.

What are the key terms in this topic?

• Cultism: membership of and activity in a secret society that works through oaths, secrecy and violence.
• Eradication: the complete removal of a problem so that it no longer exists.
• Sanction: a punishment given to a person who breaks a rule or law.
• Godfatherism: protection of cultists by rich or powerful people who shield them from punishment.
• Mediocrity: poor or average performance, with no effort towards excellence.
• Patriotism: love for one’s country and readiness to serve it.
• National development: the growth of a country in education, security, economy and good values.

Why is cultism a national problem?

Cultism is a national problem because it lowers educational standards, raises crime and weakens national values.

Effects on education and human capital

• Fall in educational standards: fear, violence and closed schools disturb teaching and learning.
• Mediocrity in the workforce: poorly trained graduates enter the national workforce.
• Loss of commitment to excellence: students no longer value hard work.

Effects on peace and security

• Breakdown of law and order: violence, anarchy and chaos spread in society.
• Higher crime rates: cultists commit murder, rape, robbery and extortion.
• Illegal arms: cult groups encourage the spread of illegal weapons.
• Spread of disease: blood-related rituals can spread diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Effects on values and leadership

• Irresponsible citizens: cultism breeds citizens who ignore rules and the rights of others.
• Poor leadership: socio-economic and political structures may be managed by irresponsible people.
• Value disorientation: good values such as honesty and respect are eroded.
• Weak patriotism: commitment to the nation is undermined.

Effects on the economy and image

• Discouraged investment: investors avoid areas without peace and security.
• Bad national image: society and the country gain a poor reputation.

What factors hinder the eradication of cultism in Nigerian schools?

The hindrances come from four sources: the home, the school, the wider society and the cult group itself.

Home and family factors

• Influential parents: children or wards of powerful people join cults and escape punishment.
• Parents in cults: some parents are cult members themselves.
• Irresponsible parenting: poor upbringing and lack of supervision of children.
• Ignorance: students, parents and school administrators may not know the dangers of cultism.

School factors

• Teachers in cults: some teachers take part in cult activities.
• Admission of expelled students: students sent away for cultism are accepted into other schools.
• Intimidation: cultists threaten school authorities.
• Unenforced sanctions: punishments made for cultists are not carried out.
• Indifferent administrators: a relaxed environment lets cult activities continue.

Society factors

• Godfatherism: elite or influential people back cultists.
• Poverty: general economic hardship pushes youths to join for money and protection.
• Corruption and injustice: offenders are not fairly punished.
• Illegal arms: weapons are easy to get in society.

Peer and cult-related factors

• Negative peer pressure: friends push students to join.
• Threats to members: those willing to denounce or expose the cult are threatened.

How can cultism be eradicated in schools?

Cultism is removed by matching each hindrance with a practical remedy, as the table shows.

Who should help to eradicate cultism in schools?

Government, school authorities, parents and students all have a part to play.

• Government: makes and enforces laws against cultism and creates jobs for youths.
• Security agencies: arrest offenders and control illegal weapons.
• School authorities: punish offenders, protect informants and organise counselling.
• Parents: teach good values and watch the friends and behaviour of their children.
• Religious and community leaders: preach against cultism and guide the youths.
• Students: refuse invitations to join and report cult activities to a teacher or counsellor.

How will the eradication of cultism in schools promote national development?

Removing cultism from schools improves education, security, leadership and the economy, and so moves the nation forward.

Education and human capital

• Production of experts: students can study in peace and become skilled professionals.
• Stable academic calendar: schools stay open and learning is not disturbed.
• Commitment to excellence: students value hard work and good results.
• Employable youths: more graduates can find work and contribute to development.

Peace and security

• Security of lives and property: there are fewer killings and attacks.
• Lower crime and violence: society becomes safer.

Leadership and values

• Responsible leaders: right and responsible citizens occupy leadership positions.
• Responsible citizenship: citizens obey laws and respect others.
• Positive national values: honesty, discipline and respect are promoted.
• Nationalism and patriotism: citizens show commitment to national development.

Economy and image

• Investment: peaceful areas attract investment and development projects.
• Economic prosperity: a skilled, secure population strengthens the economy.
• National pride: the country enjoys a good image.

Evaluation

1. State five reasons why cultism is a national problem.
2. List five factors that hinder the eradication of cultism in Nigerian schools.
3. Explain how the involvement of parents and teachers in cult activities makes eradication difficult.
4. State five ways in which the eradication of cultism in schools will promote national development.

Assignment

Explain any five ways in which the eradication of cultism in schools will promote national development.