Project – Influence of Guidance and Counselling Services on the Prevention of Cultism Among Undergraduates

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Education is widely acknowledged as a powerful instrument for national development, social transformation, and human capital formation. Universities, in particular, are established not only to impart knowledge and skills but also to promote character development, moral values, responsible citizenship, and social integration among students. Higher education institutions are expected to provide an environment conducive to learning, innovation, and personal growth. However, the realization of these objectives is often threatened by various social vices, one of which is cultism. Cultism has emerged as one of the most persistent and destructive problems confronting tertiary institutions in Nigeria, posing serious challenges to the academic, social, and psychological well-being of students (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2014).

Cultism refers to the activities of secret groups whose operations, membership, objectives, and rituals are concealed from the public and often characterized by oaths of secrecy, violence, intimidation, and unlawful conduct. In the Nigerian educational context, cultism is commonly associated with secret cult groups operating within secondary schools and higher institutions of learning. Such groups engage in activities that threaten peace, security, academic excellence, and the moral fabric of educational institutions (Okwu, 2020). Cultism in Nigerian universities has evolved from what initially appeared as student fraternities into violent organizations involved in criminal activities, including assault, intimidation, extortion, kidnapping, sexual harassment, examination malpractice, drug abuse, and murder.

The history of cultism in Nigerian universities can be traced to the establishment of the Pyrates Confraternity at the University of Ibadan in 1952 by Wole Soyinka and a group of like-minded students. The confraternity was originally founded to promote intellectualism, social justice, and opposition to colonial elitism. However, over the years, numerous splinter groups emerged, many of which adopted violent and criminal tendencies that significantly altered the original objectives of student fraternities (Soyinka, 2019). Today, cultism has become a major security challenge in many Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The increasing prevalence of cultism among undergraduates has generated widespread concern among educators, university administrators, counsellors, parents, security agencies, and policymakers. Research indicates that many students are attracted to cult groups due to peer pressure, the desire for protection, the quest for power and social recognition, financial inducements, curiosity, frustration, family background, and poor moral upbringing (Adewale, 2021). Some students also join cult groups because they perceive membership as a means of overcoming feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, social exclusion, or academic difficulties.

Several scholars have identified socio-economic and psychological factors that contribute to cultism among university students. According to Aluede, Omoregie and Afen-Akpaida (2020), factors such as poor parental supervision, moral decadence, unemployment, societal corruption, broken homes, and negative peer influence significantly increase students’ vulnerability to cult membership. Similarly, Eke (2022) observed that students experiencing emotional instability, identity crises, and poor adjustment to university life are more likely to associate with deviant groups, including secret cults.

The consequences of cultism on students and educational institutions are enormous. Cult-related activities often lead to violence, injuries, loss of lives, disruption of academic programmes, destruction of property, fear among students and staff, and damage to institutional reputation. Students involved in cult activities may experience poor academic performance, suspension, expulsion, imprisonment, psychological trauma, and in some cases death (Omonijo, Nnedum, Fadugba, Uche & Rotimi, 2020). Furthermore, cultism creates an atmosphere of insecurity that undermines effective teaching and learning within universities.

Cultism also poses serious threats to national development. Universities are expected to produce graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for societal progress. However, when students become involved in cult activities, educational objectives are compromised, and institutions may produce graduates whose character and conduct do not align with societal expectations. Consequently, efforts to eradicate cultism have become a priority for educational stakeholders and government agencies.

In response to the growing menace of cultism, various preventive and corrective measures have been introduced in Nigerian universities. These measures include anti-cult campaigns, disciplinary sanctions, security surveillance, orientation programmes, student mentoring initiatives, and legislative actions. Despite these efforts, cultism continues to persist in many tertiary institutions, suggesting that punitive approaches alone may not adequately address the underlying causes of students’ involvement in cult activities (Ajayi, 2021).

This situation has led to increasing recognition of the importance of guidance and counselling services as preventive and intervention strategies for combating cultism among undergraduates. Guidance and counselling constitute an essential component of educational support services designed to assist students in understanding themselves, making informed decisions, overcoming personal and social challenges, and developing positive behavioural patterns (Egbo, 2021). Through guidance and counselling, students receive support that enhances their personal, academic, social, and vocational development.

Guidance and counselling services encompass a wide range of activities, including orientation programmes, individual counselling, group counselling, information services, behavioural modification programmes, peer counselling, value clarification, conflict resolution, and career guidance. These services aim to equip students with the skills and competencies necessary for responsible decision-making and positive social adjustment. Counsellors help students understand the dangers associated with cultism while promoting healthy alternatives for social interaction, leadership development, and personal fulfilment (Makinde, 2020).

Theoretical and empirical studies suggest that effective guidance and counselling services can significantly reduce students’ susceptibility to cult involvement. Through counselling interventions, students are encouraged to develop self-awareness, positive self-concepts, emotional stability, critical thinking skills, and resistance to negative peer influence. Counselling also provides opportunities for students to discuss personal concerns, seek professional support, and learn constructive ways of coping with challenges without resorting to deviant behaviours (Corey, 2021).

Empirical evidence indicates that guidance and counselling programmes contribute positively to behavioural adjustment and reduction of antisocial behaviours among students. Eze and Nwankwo (2022) found that counselling interventions significantly reduced students’ inclination toward cultism and other forms of delinquent behaviour in tertiary institutions. Similarly, Okeke and Ezeani (2021) reported that effective counselling services enhanced students’ awareness of the dangers of cultism and promoted positive behavioural outcomes among undergraduates.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University is one of Nigeria’s leading universities with a diverse student population drawn from different socio-economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Like many higher institutions in the country, the university faces challenges associated with student misconduct and social deviance, including concerns about cult-related activities. Although the university has established counselling units and student support services aimed at promoting students’ well-being and behavioural adjustment, the extent to which these services influence the prevention of cultism among undergraduates remains a subject of concern.

Furthermore, while previous studies have examined the causes, effects, and prevalence of cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions, relatively few studies have focused specifically on the role of guidance and counselling services in preventing cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This gap in empirical knowledge necessitates an investigation into the influence of guidance and counselling services on the prevention of cultism among undergraduates in the institution.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Cultism remains one of the most serious social and security challenges confronting higher educational institutions in Nigeria. Despite efforts by university authorities, government agencies, security personnel, and other stakeholders, cases of cult-related activities continue to be reported in many tertiary institutions. The persistence of cultism poses significant threats to students’ safety, academic success, psychological well-being, and the overall educational environment.

Many undergraduates are exposed to various factors that increase their vulnerability to cult involvement. These factors include peer pressure, desire for social recognition, quest for protection, emotional instability, family challenges, poor value orientation, and inadequate adjustment to university life (Adewale, 2021). Consequently, some students become involved in cult groups despite awareness of the risks and consequences associated with membership.

The consequences of cultism are devastating both for individuals and institutions. Cult-related activities often result in violence, intimidation, academic disruption, psychological trauma, destruction of property, injuries, and loss of lives. Students involved in cultism may experience poor academic performance, disciplinary sanctions, suspension, expulsion, and long-term social stigmatization (Omonijo et al., 2020). Furthermore, cultism creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity that undermines effective teaching, learning, and research activities within universities.

To address this challenge, universities have implemented various preventive measures, including anti-cult campaigns, disciplinary actions, security surveillance, and awareness programmes. However, despite these efforts, cultism continues to persist, suggesting that punitive and security-based approaches alone may not adequately address the psychological, social, and behavioural factors that predispose students to cult involvement.

Guidance and counselling services have been identified as important preventive strategies for addressing students’ behavioural problems and promoting positive adjustment. Through counselling interventions, students can receive professional support that enhances self-awareness, decision-making skills, emotional stability, and resistance to negative peer influence. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of guidance and counselling services in preventing cultism among undergraduates.

At Nnamdi Azikiwe University, counselling services are provided to assist students in addressing personal, social, academic, and behavioural challenges. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the extent to which these services influence the prevention of cultism among undergraduates. Existing studies have largely focused on the causes and consequences of cultism, with relatively little attention given to the preventive role of counselling services within the university environment.

Therefore, the problem of this study is to determine the influence of guidance and counselling services on the prevention of cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling services on the prevention of cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Identify the guidance and counselling services available for preventing cultism among undergraduates.
2. Examine the influence of guidance and counselling services on students’ awareness of the dangers of cultism.
3. Determine the extent to which guidance and counselling services contribute to the prevention of cultism among undergraduates.
4. Identify challenges affecting the effectiveness of guidance and counselling services in preventing cultism.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What guidance and counselling services are available for preventing cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University?
2. How do guidance and counselling services influence students’ awareness of the dangers of cultism?
3. To what extent do guidance and counselling services contribute to the prevention of cultism among undergraduates?
4. What challenges affect the effectiveness of guidance and counselling services in preventing cultism among undergraduates?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between guidance and counselling services and the prevention of cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to:

1. Undergraduates – by increasing awareness of the dangers of cultism and the importance of counselling services.
2. Guidance Counsellors – by providing information on effective counselling strategies for preventing cult-related behaviours.
3. University Management – by assisting in strengthening counselling programmes and anti-cult initiatives.
4. Parents and Guardians – by helping them understand factors influencing cult involvement and preventive measures.
5. Researchers – by contributing to existing literature on counselling services and cultism prevention in higher institutions.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the influence of guidance and counselling services on the prevention of cultism among undergraduates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study is limited to undergraduate students and selected counselling services aimed at cultism prevention.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Guidance and Counselling Services: Professional support services designed to assist students in addressing personal, academic, social, and behavioural challenges.

Cultism: Membership or involvement in secret groups whose activities are concealed and often associated with violence, intimidation, and unlawful practices.

Prevention: Measures and interventions aimed at stopping or reducing students’ involvement in cult-related activities.

Undergraduates: Students enrolled in degree programmes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Behavioural Adjustment: The ability of students to adapt positively to university life and societal expectations through responsible conduct.

Project – Influence of Guidance and Counselling Services on the Prevention of Cultism Among Undergraduates