Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun
Ondo State Government has restated its strong stance against cultism and other criminal activities in schools.
Underscoring government position, the state’s commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, described cultism as a destructive association built on secrecy, intimidation, violence and misguided loyalty.
He restated the position in Akure at a one-day seminar organised for public secondary school students in Ondo Central Senatorial District, stressing that the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration abhors cultism and other criminal activities in schools.
The commissioner asked school administrators and school-based management committees to remain vigilant, report incidents and take appropriate action in accordance with established regulations and the law.
Represented by the Director of Evaluation, Continuous Assessment, Guidance and Counseling, Mrs Funke Ademuyiwa, he said cultism was neither a mark of seniority nor a demonstration of strength, popularity or influence.
His words, “It often begins with attractive promises of protection, recognition and belonging but frequently ends in violence, criminality, school dropout, imprisonment and, tragically, loss of lives.”
He said the state government is deeply concerned about the involvement of some young people in anti-social behaviours such as cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and cybercrime, describing them as destructive tendencies and not signs of sophistication.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to hard work and academic excellence, reflected in cash prizes for students who distinguished themselves recently and the payment of WAEC registration fees for public secondary school students, the Commissioner urged the students to reject cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, bullying and every form of violence.
He charged the students to become agents of positive change. He also urged teachers and counsellors to watch out for early warning signs and listen to students’ concerns.
“Parents, guardians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders also have a role to play; the upbringing and protection of our children cannot be left to schools alone,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Akindele Ige, affirmed that the future of young people depended not only on their academic achievements but also on the values they upheld and the choices they made.
Ige, who was represented by the Director of Guidance and Counselling, Dr (Mrs) Oluwakemi Akinsida, described the seminar as particularly important, as it provided an opportunity to sensitise students on the importance of making responsible decisions.
While asserting that cultism offered no meaningful gains, although it might be presented as a means of gaining friendship, protection or recognition, he stressed that it could lead to violence, injuries, loss of lives, disruption of education and the destruction of promising futures.
Expressing the Ondo State Government’s commitment to protecting children and promoting safe schools, Ige appreciated the efforts of teachers and urged them to continue counselling and monitoring their students.
The guest lecturer, who is the Ondo State Chairman of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), Prof. Taiwo Adenegan, warned that while cultism might look attractive at first, it ultimately led to shame, imprisonment, injury and death.
Adenegan, who spoke on the theme, “No to Cultism, Yes to Academic Excellence”, advised the students to choose their friends wisely and avoid keeping secrets from their parents and teachers. He also urged them to avoid dangerous places and times, adding that they should use their phones wisely and exercise caution on social media.
He advised the students to engage in productive activities such as sports, quizzes, debates and dance instead of joining cult groups, adding that they could also participate in healthy religious activities.
The second guest speaker, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, who spoke on the legal implications of cultism, stated that the law frowned upon cultism, including aiding and abetting cultists.
He warned that cultists risked imprisonment and other lifelong consequences, adding that those standing trial for cult-related offences stood minimal chances of being granted bail.
Various speakers who delivered goodwill messages, as well as the panellists, admonished the students to prioritise academic and moral excellence and speak up if anybody attempted to lure them into cultism.
They also encouraged students who might already be involved in cultism to take the bold step of withdrawing from such groups and seeking help from counsellors where necessary.
