Society seeks stiffer measures to curb cultism, other illicit acts among students

By Yinusa Ishola

Sanctions
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 4, 2020 (NAN) The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) have called for stiffer penalties for those convicted of cultism to curb increased level of membership of students in higher institutions nationwide.

Mrs Moradeyo Ajiboye, the society’s Director of Mobilisation in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Wednesday.

Ajiboye said the high rate of cult-induced related deaths among students across the country had become a source of concern to the organisation.

She said that the menace, if not properly addressed, could become a clog in government’s efforts at transforming the education sector.

According to her, the problem has recently assumed a dangerous dimension as the menace of cult related activities is now also prominent among students in primary and secondary schools.

She said cultism and other vices had done more harm than good to the country’s growth, progress and development.

Ajiboye urged stakeholders in the education sector to rise to the challenge.

She called on relevant government regulatory agencies, especially state Houses of Assemblies, to strategise and evolve stringent punitive measures in the form of legislation for offenders.

The NCWS boss the prevailing incessant marriage breakups due to irreconcilable differences among couples was a bi-product of the vices in the society.

Ajiboye particularly appealed to parents, especially mothers regarded as first teachers, to re-double their effort in impacting good morals and values in their wards as leaders of tomorrow.

She disclosed that the organisation had on its part embarked on sensitisation campaign to schools, markets and religious places to educate stakeholders on the dangers inherent in illicit acts.

“The prevalence rate of cultism in institutions across the country coupled with its attendant casualties, has become a source of worry and concern to this organisation.

“With the present situation as regards cultism, it is not enough for parents to secure admission for their children and wards, pay school fees among other things and go to sleep.

“The much bigger responsibility now is to monitor their activities, especially on and off the schools, so that they do not go astray.

“The school authorities also have roles to play by putting in place effective mechanism and administrative measures to discourage act of cultism and promote peaceful co-existence among the students,” she said.

Ajiboye also challenge students’ union executives and representatives in tertiary institutions to promote harmonious relationship between the students and the authorities.

“This will go a long way in creating a conducive atmosphere needed for effective learning, as well as promoting recreation and social activities in schools,” she said. (NAN)
ISHO/KOO/MST

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola