Thomas Abi Jr|15 August 2015|1:39pm
It is no longer news that institutions of learning that should be meant for acquiring knowledge and developing our young people have now been infiltrated with a lot anti social behavior, idiosyncrasies and have also become a comfortable breeding place for cultists who go about their nefarious activities in the tertiary institutions in Cross River State.
Recently a lot of insecurity has been seen in our schools. The most worrisome is the constant cult activities taking place in the Federal College of Education Obudu where cult activities have taken the center stage making the town very unsafe for its inhabitants.
Education is a crucial factor in the social and economic well being of Cross River People. It is no doubt the greatest asset the that can be given in any society. In fact, no nation can rise without a proper and sound education for her young people.
It is rather unfortunate that the Cross River State University of Technology, University of Calabar and the Federal College of Education, Obudu has been beset by a lot of cancerous problems. Most of which are perpetrated by the various cult groups giving the citizenry of the State sleepless nights.
It can be traced that the prevalence of cult activities in the State and country is as a result of corruption and insincerity by our leaders and the high and mighty who use our young people for their dirty jobs.
The issue of cultism has remained an issue for the youth of the State. It is disheartening that young people still find it very fashionable to indulge in this act. It can be seen that some of the root cause of students getting indulged in cultism is as a result of peer groups, parental background, frustration, retrogression of education, decadence of the Nigeria society etc.
The effect of cultism on our students has affected our students and young people drastically which is very destructive to the individual student and the educational system at large. It tends to destroy the peace in our institutions, discourage students from furthering their studies and completing their academic programme in record time. It also results in the expulsion of students and also probation of students in our schools.
Cross River State is seen and known to be a State where education is regarded as the only tool the average man can give to his child. And in winning the war against cultism and other social vices a lot has to be done in improving our institutions which are supposed to be citadel of learning.
The institutions, religious groups, government, civil society and security apparatus have a role to play in carrying out sensitization campaigns that will sensitize our youths and the general public on the consequences of cultism in the State. Seminars, workshops , posters, handbills and the media should be used in sending the message to the youth on the need why there shouldn't indulge in cultism and other social vices.
Parents should desist from being members of cult groups and as well discourage their wards from getting involved in cult activities. Students who do not belong to cult groups should organize anti vanguard on cultism in collaboration with security agencies and also with the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs and Youth Mobilization, to watch and monitor the activities of ill fated groups.
However in wining war against cultism in Cross River State, there must be improved facilities to better the living condition of the students. Religious and moral education should be taught in our schools.
It is worthy of note that in winning the war against cultism, all hands must be on deck to combat the ugly trend that has taking a nose dive in our schools. Everybody should be serious in fighting the war against cultism. The youth should be rebranded and properly guided.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
