Project – The Role of Christian Education in Promoting Discipline and Good Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Surulere

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Education remains one of the most important instruments for shaping the character, values, attitudes, and behaviour of individuals in every society. Beyond the transmission of knowledge and vocational skills, education is expected to promote discipline, moral uprightness, responsibility, and social order among learners. In Nigeria, schools are not only centers of academic learning but also institutions where young people are prepared to become responsible citizens. However, in recent years, increasing cases of indiscipline and poor behaviour among secondary school students have raised serious concerns among parents, teachers, religious bodies, and policy makers (Akinpelu, 2018).

Discipline is a vital component of the educational process. It refers to the ability of individuals to obey rules and regulations, respect authority, control emotions, demonstrate self-restraint, and act in socially acceptable ways. Good behaviour, on the other hand, includes honesty, punctuality, respect for others, diligence, obedience, peaceful coexistence, and responsibility. A disciplined student is more likely to succeed academically, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute positively to society. Conversely, lack of discipline often results in truancy, bullying, fighting, examination malpractice, stealing, drug abuse, disrespect for teachers, and other anti-social behaviours (Ogunyemi, 2020).

Secondary school students are mostly adolescents undergoing rapid physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. At this stage, they are highly influenced by peer pressure, media content, family background, and societal trends. Adolescents often struggle with identity formation and may engage in risky or rebellious behaviour if not properly guided. This developmental reality makes value-based education and moral instruction highly necessary in secondary schools. Without proper moral guidance, many students may drift into behaviours that negatively affect their academic achievement and future life chances (Eze, 2021).

The issue of indiscipline among students has become increasingly visible in many Nigerian secondary schools. Reports of lateness to school, absenteeism, rude behaviour, violence, examination malpractice, cyber misconduct, sexual immorality, cult-related tendencies, and vandalism are common in some schools. These behaviours create an unconducive learning environment, lower academic standards, and undermine the authority of teachers and school administrators. In urban areas such as Surulere, Lagos State, where students are exposed to modern social influences, digital media, and diverse lifestyles, the challenge of student discipline requires urgent attention.

Christian Education is one of the subjects introduced into the school curriculum to address moral, spiritual, and character development among students. Christian Education involves the teaching of biblical principles, Christian doctrines, moral values, and ethical standards intended to shape learners into responsible and disciplined individuals. It emphasizes virtues such as honesty, humility, love, forgiveness, obedience, patience, tolerance, self-control, and respect for authority. Through the study of the Bible and Christian teachings, students are encouraged to avoid behaviours that are harmful to themselves and society (Adeyemo, 2019).

The teachings of Christian Education can significantly contribute to discipline formation among adolescents. For instance, lessons on the Ten Commandments teach respect for parents, truthfulness, and avoidance of stealing. Teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize love, peace, forgiveness, service, and humility. Biblical stories such as those of Joseph, Daniel, and Samuel provide examples of integrity, courage, obedience, and godly conduct. When students internalize such values, they are more likely to demonstrate good behaviour in school and in the wider community (Okafor, 2022).

Christian Education also promotes self-discipline, which is the ability to regulate one’s actions without constant external supervision. Students who learn self-discipline are better able to resist peer pressure, avoid substance abuse, stay focused on studies, and manage their emotions constructively. In a time when many young people are exposed to negative online content, consumerism, violence, and moral confusion, Christian Education offers a framework for making wise and ethical decisions.

In many homes today, parents face economic pressures and demanding work schedules that limit the time available for direct moral instruction of children. Some students also come from broken homes or unstable family environments where discipline may be weak. As a result, schools are increasingly expected to complement the family by providing moral guidance. Christian Education teachers therefore play important roles as educators, counselors, mentors, and moral role models to students.

Surulere is a prominent urban local government area in Lagos State known for its educational institutions, commercial activities, and multicultural population. Like many urban communities, Surulere experiences social changes that affect young people, including peer influence, internet exposure, social media pressure, and changing family structures. These realities make it important to examine whether Christian Education is effectively contributing to discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in the area.

Despite the recognized importance of Christian Education, the subject is sometimes undervalued in some schools. Greater attention may be given to science, technology, and commercial subjects, while moral and religious education receives limited instructional time or inadequate teaching resources. In some cases, unqualified teachers are assigned to teach the subject, thereby reducing its effectiveness. This situation raises concern about whether the full potential of Christian Education is being realized in promoting discipline and good behaviour among students.

It is against this background that this study seeks to examine the role of Christian Education in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing rate of indiscipline and poor behaviour among secondary school students has become a major challenge in the Nigerian educational system. Many schools experience cases of lateness, absenteeism, examination malpractice, fighting, bullying, disrespect for teachers, vandalism, stealing, use of abusive language, and other forms of misconduct. These behaviours disrupt teaching and learning, reduce academic performance, create insecurity, and damage the moral fabric of the school environment.

In Surulere, Lagos State, the urban lifestyle and rapid social changes have exposed many students to influences that may encourage misconduct. Peer pressure, uncontrolled internet use, negative social media trends, weakened parental supervision, and materialistic values can contribute to indiscipline among adolescents. Some students imitate violent or disrespectful behaviour seen online or in society, while others engage in dishonest practices to gain acceptance or quick success. If not addressed, these behaviours may extend beyond school into criminality and long-term social instability.

Although Christian Education was introduced in schools to promote moral values, discipline, and responsible behaviour, many students still display attitudes contrary to the teachings of the subject. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the teaching methods, the commitment of students, the availability of qualified teachers, and the level of institutional support given to Christian Education in schools. In some schools, the subject may be treated as less important than examinable core subjects, thereby weakening its impact on students’ character formation.

Furthermore, there is inadequate empirical evidence specifically focusing on the role of Christian Education in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere. Without such evidence, schools and policymakers may lack the information needed to strengthen moral education programs. Therefore, the problem of this study is to determine the extent to which Christian Education contributes to promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of Christian Education in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Identify common forms of indiscipline and poor behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere.
2. Examine the influence of Christian Education on students’ discipline.
3. Determine the extent to which Christian Education promotes good behaviour among students.
4. Identify challenges affecting the effective teaching of Christian Education in schools.
5. Suggest strategies for improving Christian Education as a tool for discipline and character formation.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the common forms of indiscipline among secondary school students in Surulere?
2. How does Christian Education influence students’ discipline?
3. To what extent does Christian Education promote good behaviour among students?
4. What factors hinder the effectiveness of Christian Education in schools?
5. What strategies can improve the role of Christian Education in promoting discipline?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: Christian Education has no significant role in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State.

H₁: Christian Education has a significant role in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to students, teachers, parents, school administrators, curriculum planners, religious organizations, and government agencies.

Students will benefit through improved awareness of moral values and positive conduct. Teachers will gain insights into how Christian Education can be used more effectively for character development. Parents will understand the importance of supporting moral instruction at home. School administrators may use the findings to strengthen discipline policies. Curriculum planners may improve the content and delivery of Christian Education. Religious bodies and policymakers may also use the findings to design youth development and moral reorientation programs.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the role of Christian Education in promoting discipline and good behaviour among secondary school students in selected secondary schools in Surulere, Lagos State. The study will examine behaviours such as punctuality, obedience, honesty, respect for authority, avoidance of truancy, and peaceful conduct. Respondents will include students and teachers in selected schools.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Christian Education: A school subject that teaches biblical knowledge, Christian values, doctrines, and morals for character development.

Discipline: The practice of obeying rules, respecting authority, and exercising self-control.

Good Behaviour: Positive conduct such as honesty, punctuality, obedience, respect, diligence, and peaceful interaction.

Secondary School Students: Learners enrolled in junior and senior secondary schools.

Role: The function, contribution, or influence of something in achieving a purpose.

Project – The Role of Christian Education in Promoting Discipline and Good Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Surulere