Project – Impact of Christian Fellowship on Students’ Moral Behaviour in Secondary School in Port Hacourt, Rivers

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Education is not only concerned with intellectual development but also with the moral and ethical growth of students (Ololube, 2013). Moral behaviour, which encompasses qualities such as honesty, respect, responsibility, empathy, and integrity, is crucial for shaping responsible citizens and harmonious societies (Lickona, 2004). In the context of secondary education, students are at a stage of adolescence where character formation is particularly important, as this period is often marked by experimentation, peer influence, and the development of personal values.

Christian fellowships in schools serve as platforms for spiritual, social, and moral development of students. These fellowships typically organize religious activities such as Bible studies, prayer meetings, mentoring sessions, and community service, all of which are intended to instill moral values and ethical behaviour (Okafor & Eze, 2017). Participation in Christian fellowship provides students with opportunities for reflection, guidance from peers and mentors, and reinforcement of positive behaviour through religious teachings.

Several studies suggest that active involvement in religious or spiritual groups positively affects moral reasoning and ethical behaviour among adolescents. For example, involvement in structured religious programs has been associated with lower incidences of delinquency, improved interpersonal relationships, and higher levels of empathy and civic responsibility (Regnerus, 2003; Smith & Denton, 2005). In Nigeria, Christian fellowships in secondary schools are widespread and play a critical role in promoting moral values alongside formal education.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, secondary school students face various moral challenges, including academic dishonesty, disrespect for authority, peer pressure, substance abuse, and other forms of deviant behaviour. While Christian fellowships exist in most secondary schools to guide students morally, the extent to which these fellowships influence students’ actual moral behaviour remains under-researched. Understanding this relationship is crucial for school administrators, parents, and policymakers who are interested in developing strategies to improve moral standards among students.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the presence of Christian fellowships in secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reports of moral lapses among students are still prevalent. Issues such as cheating during examinations, bullying, disrespect for teachers, substance abuse, and involvement in cultism have been reported in secondary schools (Akinboye, 2013). While some students actively participate in Christian fellowships, it is unclear whether membership in these groups significantly influences their moral behaviour.

Furthermore, there is a lack of empirical data on the effectiveness of Christian fellowships in shaping students’ moral conduct in the Nigerian educational context, particularly in Port Harcourt. Teachers and school administrators often observe behavioural improvements in students participating in fellowships anecdotally, but systematic studies are limited. This gap in knowledge makes it difficult to determine the actual impact of Christian fellowship on students’ moral behaviour, thus hindering the development of effective interventions to enhance character formation.

This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the impact of Christian fellowship on students’ moral behaviour in secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to provide evidence-based insights and recommendations for improving moral education.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of Christian fellowship on students’ moral behaviour in secondary schools in Port Harcourt. The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the level of participation of students in Christian fellowships in secondary schools.

2. Assess the moral behaviour of students participating in Christian fellowships.

3. Determine the relationship between participation in Christian fellowship and students’ moral behaviour.

4. Identify challenges faced by Christian fellowships in influencing students’ moral conduct.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the level of student participation in Christian fellowships in secondary schools in Port Harcourt?

2. How do students involved in Christian fellowships exhibit moral behaviour?

3. What is the relationship between participation in Christian fellowship and students’ moral behaviour?

4. What challenges do Christian fellowships face in influencing students’ moral behaviour?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study will test the following null hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: Christian fellowship participation has no significant impact on the moral behaviour of students in secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial in several ways. Teachers and school administrators can gain insights into the effectiveness of Christian fellowships as tools for moral education. Parents can understand the importance of encouraging their children to participate in constructive religious activities. Policymakers can develop policies that support character education in schools. Additionally, students may benefit from awareness of the positive role that Christian fellowship can play in shaping their moral development. Finally, the study will contribute to academic literature on moral education and the influence of religious organizations on adolescent behaviour in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It will examine the impact of Christian fellowship activities on students’ moral behaviour, including aspects such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and peer interactions. The study is limited to observable moral behaviours within the school environment and does not extend to private or familial moral influences outside school.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Christian Fellowship: Organized religious group activities within schools that involve prayer, Bible study, mentoring, and community service aimed at moral and spiritual development.

• Moral Behaviour: Conduct that reflects ethical principles, including honesty, responsibility, respect for others, empathy, and adherence to societal norms.

• Secondary Schools: Institutions providing education from Junior Secondary School (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School (SS3), typically for students aged 11–18 years in Nigeria.

• Port Harcourt, Rivers State: The capital city of Rivers State, Nigeria, which serves as the location for this study.

Project – Impact of Christian Fellowship on Students’ Moral Behaviour in Secondary School in Port Hacourt, Rivers