Cultism in schools has become a serious social problem in many parts of the world, especially in Nigeria. Cultism refers to the practice where a group of students come together in secret associations bound by oaths, rituals, or violent practices. These groups often operate outside the laws and rules of educational institutions. Originally, some school associations were formed to promote friendship, discipline, and academic excellence. Unfortunately, over time, many of them turned into violent cults that pose great dangers to both students and the society at large.
One of the greatest dangers of cultism in schools is violence. Cult groups are notorious for engaging in clashes that often result in injuries or even loss of lives. During these clashes, innocent students and staff are sometimes caught in the crossfire. This atmosphere of fear and insecurity makes schools unsafe for learning and distracts students from their studies.
Another danger is the negative influence cultism has on academic performance. Students who join cults often spend their time planning and attending meetings rather than focusing on their studies. Many of them skip classes, neglect assignments, and end up failing their examinations. In some cases, cult members attempt to intimidate teachers or cheat during examinations, which further damages the academic integrity of schools.
Cultism also exposes students to drug abuse and criminal activities. Many cult members rely on hard drugs to boost their courage before engaging in violent acts. The use of these substances damages their health and often leads to addiction. In addition, cult groups are sometimes involved in armed robbery, extortion, and kidnapping, thereby turning students who should be preparing for a bright future into criminals.
The psychological effects of cultism cannot be ignored. Students who are part of these groups often live in constant fear of rival attacks or betrayal from within their own group. This fear can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Families of cult members also suffer emotionally when their children are caught up in violent activities or arrested by the authorities.
At the societal level, cultism undermines the purpose of education. Schools are meant to be centres of knowledge, discipline, and moral development. However, the presence of cults creates an environment of lawlessness and corruption. Graduates who were once members of cults may carry their violent behavior into workplaces and communities, thereby spreading insecurity beyond school walls.
To address the problem of cultism, schools and governments must work hand in hand. Strict laws should be enforced to punish cult activities, while guidance and counseling services should be strengthened to support students. Parents also have a crucial role to play by monitoring their children’s activities and instilling strong moral values at home. Students must be encouraged to join positive groups such as debate clubs, sports teams, and cultural associations where they can develop useful skills and build healthy friendships.
In conclusion, cultism in schools is a destructive practice with dangerous consequences on students, institutions, and society. It leads to violence, poor academic performance, crime, and psychological trauma. The fight against cultism requires the collective effort of schools, parents, government, and students themselves. Only then can schools fulfill their mission of producing disciplined and responsible citizens.
Questions
Answer the following in clear, complete sentences:
- What is cultism as described in the passage?
- Mention two ways in which cultism endangers lives in schools.
- How does cultism affect the academic performance of students?
- State two criminal activities linked with cult groups.
- What are the psychological effects of cultism on students?
- How does cultism undermine the purpose of education?
- Mention two roles parents can play in curbing cultism.
- Suggest two alternatives that students can engage in instead of cultism.
- What is the central message of the passage?
- Suggest a suitable title apart from the one given.
Suggested Answers & Marking Guide
1. What is cultism as described in the passage?
- It is the practice where students form secret associations bound by oaths, rituals, or violent activities, operating outside school rules.
(4 marks)
2. Mention two ways in which cultism endangers lives in schools.
- By engaging in violent clashes that cause injuries or death.
- By creating fear and insecurity in the school environment.
(Any 2 = 4 marks)
3. How does cultism affect the academic performance of students?
- It distracts them from their studies, leading to poor performance and failed examinations.
(4 marks)
4. State two criminal activities linked with cult groups.
- Armed robbery.
- Extortion.
- Kidnapping.
(Any 2 = 4 marks)
5. What are the psychological effects of cultism on students?
- They live in constant fear, which may lead to depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
(4 marks)
6. How does cultism undermine the purpose of education?
- It replaces discipline and moral development with lawlessness and corruption in schools.
(4 marks)
7. Mention two roles parents can play in curbing cultism.
- Monitoring their children’s activities.
- Instilling strong moral values at home.
(Any 2 = 4 marks)
8. Suggest two alternatives that students can engage in instead of cultism.
- Debate clubs.
- Sports teams.
- Cultural associations.
(Any 2 = 4 marks)
9. What is the central message of the passage?
- Cultism is a destructive practice that must be fought collectively to ensure schools remain safe and productive.
(4 marks)
10. Suggest a suitable title apart from the one given.
- “The Evils of Cultism in Schools.”
(2 marks)