Determinants and Consequences of Cultism amongst the Undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated determinants and consequences of cultism amongst students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study objectives looked at prevalence, determinants, consequences, and ways to eradicate cultism among students. Four theories were examined namely differential association theory, opportunist theory, strain theory and social control theory. The study adopted two theories as the theoretical framework namely differential association theory and the opportunist theory. Mixed methods research design was used. The target population was 24,706 regular students aged 16 years and above schooling in NAU Awka. The study sampled 202 respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used. The quantitative data collected were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentages and frequency counts while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (X2) test statistic. Findings indicated that there is moderate prevalence of cultism in NAU Awka. Data analysed showed that major determinants of cultism include peer pressure, revenge, poor parenting, drug abuse and poverty. The study confirmed that students who engage in cultism are likely to experience poor academic performance, loss of lives and valuables, disruption of academic activities, and closure of small-scale businesses within the school premises. Based on these findings, it was recommended amongst others that the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka should create adequate awareness on the dangers of cultism on the lives of undergraduates. Also, government and nongovernmental agencies should step up their campaigns against cultism because of its destructive tendencies in our universities and the general society.