ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF CULTISM IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OFFERING A LONGTERM FIX

Abstract

Cultism in higher educational institutions refers to the phenomenon of students becoming involved in secret societies or groups that often engage in illicit activities, including violence, intimidation, and criminal behavior. This issue has plagued educational institutions across the globe, particularly in developing countries. Despite various interventions, cultism remains a persistent challenge, disrupting academic environments and endangering the safety of students and staff. This paper explores the causes, impacts, and existing solutions to the problem of cultism and proposes a long term strategy to eliminate its presence in higher education. It calls for policy reform, preventive measures, comprehensive mental health support, community engagement, and government action to foster a culture of non-violence and academic excellence. Additionally, this paper seeks to understand the root causes of cultism, examine its impacts on educational institutions, assess current intervention strategies, and offer a long-term solution to combat this pervasive issue. By identifying the underlying factors contributing to cultism and proposing a comprehensive solution, this study aims to contribute to the creation of safer, more inclusive, and academically thriving university environments.