AN INTERVIEW
Cultism remains one of the most serious security challenges affecting Nigerian universities and polytechnics today. While many people associate cultism with mystery, supernatural powers, or “juju,” experts say the reality is more connected to fear, violence, peer pressure, and insecurity on campuses.
In this interview-style discussion, a campus observer explains the myths, causes, effects, and possible solutions to cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
What exactly is cultism on campus?
Cultism refers to secret student groups operating within universities and polytechnics. Many of these groups create fear through intimidation, violence, and illegal activities.
Over the years, cult-related clashes and attacks have disrupted academic activities, affected students’ mental health, and created insecurity in many institutions across Nigeria.
Is cultism really about magic or supernatural powers?
According to campus observers, this is one of the biggest myths about cultism. Most cult groups rely more on secrecy, fear, loyalty, and violence rather than supernatural powers.
Why do students join cult groups?
Students join for different reasons. Some seek protection, friendship, respect, or a sense of belonging. Others are influenced by peer pressure, insecurity, or the desire for power and influence on campus.
Weak counseling systems and lack of proper guidance in some schools also make students more vulnerable to recruitment.
Who should be blamed for the spread of cultism?
Many people believe school authorities and security agencies need to do more to control cult-related activities on campuses. Weak security systems and poor student support services sometimes allow these groups to operate freely.
Some political groups and criminal networks have also been linked to cult-related violence outside campuses.
At the same time, students who willingly participate in cult activities must also take responsibility for their actions and the insecurity they create.
How can cultism be reduced on Nigerian campuses?
Experts recommend stronger security measures and stricter enforcement of school rules against cult activities.
Schools are also encouraged to improve counseling services, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns to educate students about the dangers of cultism.
Parents, religious organizations, and communities also have important roles to play in guiding young people and promoting positive values.
Cultism continues to threaten safety, learning, and peace on many Nigerian campuses. While some still see cultism as a mysterious or spiritual issue, many experts believe it is mainly a social problem caused by fear, violence, pressure, and weak support systems.
This raises important questions:
- Why do students still join cult groups despite the dangers?
- Are schools doing enough to protect students?
- Should counseling and mentorship receive more attention on campuses?
- What role should parents and society play in preventing cultism?
As discussions continue, many believe solving cultism will require cooperation between students, schools, parents, security agencies, and society as a whole.
