VALUE RE-ORIENTATION: A STRATEGY FOR COMBATING MORAL DECADENCE AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Ibrahim Barakat B. Ph.D

Abstract

Value re-orientation and reviving the social life of our youth in tertiary institution through counselling and moral education is very important at this time that our nation is in a state of series of insurgencies.  The decay in the society has affected the values and moral character of our youths in tertiary institutions.  This has manifested in many social vices such as cultism, thuggery, examination malpractices among others.  This paper focused on value re-orientation as strategy for combating moral decadence among students of tertiary institutions in Kwara State.  Four research questions were raised to guide the conduct of the study.  The study is a survey research and a sample of 600 students were randomly selected from four state owned tertiary institutions across Kwara State was selected.  Data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the type of moral decadence that is mostly exhibited among tertiary institutions are lack of respect for constituted authorities, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, among others. These moral decadence are the result of lapses from parents, peer influence and societal influence.   The effect of moral decadence and strategies for combating it were identified.  The study was concluded by recommending among others that counselling, moral education and parents’ constant visitation to their children/wards in their institution be encouraged to help in curbing social vices in our society.