Proliferation of Cultism in Nigerian Tertiary Institution: A Threat to National Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

Cultism in Nigeria tertiary institutions is a social phenomenon with far reaching negative effects on socio-political development. Cult operates in traditional African setting as a socio-cultural organization with positive impacts toward peaceful society. The study quantitatively interrogates the negative effects of proliferation of cultism in Nigerian tertiary institution on national socio-economic development. The paper revealed collapse of family institution, peer group influence, undue protection, poor authority-students relationship and moral decadence among others as major causes of cultism. Endangers future of the nation, threat to socio-economic development, threat to educational system, breeds insecurity and promotes social vices were also identified as effects of cultism. The study concluded by recommending teaching of children in the moral values, monitoring of student on campus from peer group influence, student to avoid bad companies, friendly authorities-student relationship and enactment of appropriate legislation among others