CULTISM AND PEACEFUL/SAFE CAMPUSES IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
CULTISM AND PEACEFUL/SAFE CAMPUSES IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Summary/Abstract: Tertiary institutions are meant to educate, train and equip students mentally and morally to be responsible future leaders with the capacity to contribute significantly to societal growth and development; in peaceful and safe environment necessary for effective learning and research. However, many campuses of tertiary institutions in Nigeria are direct opposite of peaceful and safe ambiance largely due to violent and criminal activities of cult groups, wielding dangerous weapons and indulging in alcohol & hard drugs. Cultism certainly obviates the desired peaceful and safe campus for effective learning and research. This study therefore dwells on the interplay between cultism and peaceful/safe campus environment that is sinequanon for learning and research. The objectives and hypotheses of the study revolve on the spate of extortion/phone hijack, cultists’ physical assault/maiming and cult murders on campuses as they impinge on safe learning on campuses. The population of the study is 119, comprising staff; Student Union Government Executives and campus security personnel of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. Frequency tables and percentages were used for data analysis while hypotheses of the study were tested with Chi Square (X2) at 0.05 significance level. It was found that desired serenity and safety of campuses are vitiated by cult activities ranging from extortion, intimidation, maiming to murder; among other vices; thereby inhibiting safe campus. It was recommended that well-armed and mobile anti-cult unit be established while orientation programme on nature and dangers of cultism be organized within the first week of resumption on campuses; among others.

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