ENHANCING PROFESSIONALISM IN JOURNALISM AND BROADCASTING
Journalism is the job of collecting, writing and publishing news in newspapers and magazines, and on television and radio, while broadcasting is the act of sending out information by radio waves, so that it can be heard on the radio or seen on television. In other words, the former is the bedrock of the latter.
Both professions are interwoven, and had been existing for over the years. From my point of view, there’re certain issues that should be taken more seriously by the concerned professionals.
I shall begin with the issue of independence. Every practising journalist should emulate the habit of being independent; try to be yourself and don’t work to make a particular person(s) happy. Your paramount interest should be the joy of your audience or fans. Don’t work for money, rather let the reverse be the case.
On the other hand, each time you write or gather your report, try and listen to yourself. Ask yourself these questions: Is it the truth; and, will it be fair to all concerned? As you try to answer the question, promise to tell yourself nothing but the truth. Thus, you have to be sincere to your soul and mind. That’s where conscience comes in.
Confidence is another basic tool we must not forget. As a journalist, you must be courageous. Don’t be intimidated by mere threats, or don’t be scared of being threatened. Strictness should always be applied in your line of practice. And, while gathering your press report, don’t be shattered or deterred by people’s countenance. Be defensive at all times.
Most importantly, as a professional, you must abstain from gossip/propaganda. You shouldn’t take meaning from what the men of the underworlds or the laymen say, even if he happens to be your closest friend. But you can give a listening ear. Your focus/aim should be to give your audience what they need, and not what they want.
Though, sometimes their wants might correspond with their need, but you still need to depend on investigative reporting. Whatever information you receive, you still have to go an extra mile to find out the fact(s) behind the message. This’s a very great caution needed to uphold the recently approved Freedom of Information (FOI) law in Nigeria and such similar laws existing in other countries. We must say no to upheaval as we discharge our journalistic/writing prowess.
The editors are not left out. They also need to play a very vital role while applying their editorial skills or guidance. Bribery should be seen as a sadist or terror towards actualizing journalistic excellence. They must also be extremely independent. I must commend most of them; they’re really doing the job.
Please my fellow writers, let’s always apply diligence and caution in our respective endeavours; that is, in anything we write, do or say. If we see this as a priority, I bet you, the sky would always be our stepping stone; and we shall live to be honoured by all and sundry.
On the side of broadcasting which’s the product of journalism; the broadcasting firms should be independent in terms of power supply, most especially during news time. Even if there’s power supply from the national source, during the news time, they should switch over to their power generating sets. If possible, the power generators should be on as long as the station is open or available. This would drastically reduce the rate at which the broadcasters discharge apologies while in the life (transmission) studio. The above measure/approach is often required in a country where steady power supply is a mirage.
The culture of airing local news before the international ones should also be adhered to. Some of the broadcasting stations in most of the countries in the world are used to the reverse, and personally, I don’t think it’s fair to all concerned. We must learn to start from home before considering abroad.
The use of telecommunication gadgets, such as the mobile phones, in the transmission studios should be totally abolished because such act is an aberration. Most times, when news and other matters are being aired, a cell phone would be heard blaring at the background of the transmission studio (room) in use. This’s quite appalling! Even if a phone is eventually taken to such arena by the broadcaster, it should be switched off. One fateful day, I was listening to a very talented and educative programme over the radio, and along the line, a phone rang at the background. Immediately, I got disgusted and quit my interest. I believe most other people may also have such listening attitude.
The use of apology should not be undermined in event of lateness, mistake, or mispronunciation of words. ‘I beg your pardon’ might seem small or insignificant, but the truth is that, it makes a great sense (meaning) to the ears of your audience.
Airing of radio/television commercial jingles with respect to their languages ought to also be considered. A radio or television jingle built with a certain language ought to be aired when a programme of such language is on air or taking place. For instance, a jingle recorded with Igbo language should go on air when a programme of Igbo language is taking place, and not in the midst of a programme of English/Hausa language, or as the case may be.
Inter alia, both professionals (journalists/broadcasters) need to acknowledge the importance of punctuality. A gentleman of the press should arrive at the venue of an event before the stipulated time of the occasion; a second late could create a big loophole (lapse) in his/her reportage. In the same vein, a broadcaster whom was assigned or is supposed to air a particular news/programme ought to be at the studio at least thirty minutes prior to the news/programme time; he/she must take time to rehearse the news bulletin to ensure that accuracy becomes the case at the end of the day. This would also give the person in question more confidence/courage while on the microphone. More so, we shouldn’t keep our audience waiting; the news time should not be demeaned, therefore ought to be taken seriously by anyone involved. Commencing the airing of news a second after the news time could be dangerous. So, we must adhere to discipline to the core. The potential journalists/broadcasters should also take note of all these facts.
Above all, every journalist or television broadcaster should cultivate the habit of good/decent dressing pattern. Let’s dress well to an event if we’re assigned to cover the event. On the other hand, if you have a programme to present or you need to broadcast news on the television, your dressing culture should be strictly considered. The radio broadcasters/presenters may be exempted in this case, but we all must be conscious of how we dress because millions of people out there are looking up to us. Your countenance counts!
Honestly, I must commend the practising journalists and broadcasters in most developing nations; most of them are really putting in their best in spite of the low salary syndrome faced by all. I think, this’s where the government comes in. The concerned governments should not turn their back on the people that maintain peace, unity and progress in any society where they are found. Either as an individual or as a group, if you’re not informed, you would definitely be deformed. And, journalists and broadcasters are the only answer to this, information dissemination. So, such set of people/workers ought to be honoured with tremendous working incentives such as wardrobe or transport/mobility allowance. Even those at the private sector should not be ignored; their employers should be supported by their respective governments from time to time.
For our society to be, or remain great, we must endeavour to attain perfection; though no one is or would be perfect. Think about it!
_____________________
FDN NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Thursday, 10 October 2013
The Wrath of Prostitution
THE WRATH OF PROSTITUTION IN OUR SOCIETY
The act of having sexual intercourse in exchange for money has become a talk of the day in our noble society at large. In Nigeria as a case study, about twenty four percent (24%) of the entire population of the youths are into this ugly scenario. And if a drastic measure is not taken by the government or the concerned authority to stop this deadly act, in the next twenty years or thereabouts, about forty eight percent (48%) of our youths would be involved in the practice.
In this edition, our interest does not only lie on those who market their bodies in chalets, but also, on those who parade themselves on the streets, and in any public transport systems they found themselves. So, the edition is concerned with all aspects of prostitution.
About three weeks ago, I was in a luxurious bus heading to Abuja. My closest neighbour happened to be a very pretty young lady, in her early twenties. She clad in a hot mini-skirt and round neck polo. Along the line, I initiated a conversation and she responded accordingly. For over four hours, she remained my sole companion. After some minutes, she dosed off, or pretended sleeping, leaning her head on my shoulder. I tried to readjust her body, but she insisted unknowingly, or knowing. Only God could tell the actual fact. I frowned at the incident. May be, I was enjoying it; who knows? Only God could tell too. But it wasn’t funny at all. I kept reading the magazine I had in my hand, pretending we were playing the same wing. Due to my pretence, everyone around who observed the drama thought we were together I presume. Just a hypothesis; I’m just thinking aloud, because, going by the look on their faces, they weren’t embarrassed by the unending drama. After more two hours, the day ushered us into the long awaited night. This time, my companion loss her control. Her two legs became too distant from each other. Brethren, you wouldn’t believe what I saw with my naked and vulnerable eyes, which introduced an abrupt shock. Believe me, to make it brief, the lady in question wasn’t putting on any underwear. I felt abashed, though I smiled under false pretences. A disgusting moment indeed! You needed to see things for yourselves. At this point, I needed not a prophet to interpret the whole scenario.
The causes of prostitution are enormous that, one cannot easily state the major cause of the blasphemy. It may be caused by an accident or nature, such as, the loss of a job, benefactor, or a breadwinner of a family, unemployment and poverty.
A lady who loses her job or a benefactor may decide to embark on prostitution, out of agony or frustration. This would be considered by her as the only means (medium) to seek for refuge, since it requires no capital or skill. Because, if a certain skill should be acquired prior to embarking on the practice/’business’, a period of apprenticeship would automatically be the basis; and such would take a long duration before income would be ascertained or anticipated. Similar step would also be seen as the only available option by one (a lady) who loses a breadwinner of her family.
A graduate of a certain higher institution who had been in search for a white collar job for a long period of time to no avail, may end-up a prostitute due to loss of optimism. To her, the indulgence in any business that involves capital certainly means that, the years she exhausted in the university/polytechnic or as the case may be, were nothing but a waste.
The female members of a family that experience ardent poverty are not left out in such silly decision since every income generated from the so called business is regarded as profit. Out of vulnerability, they would be left with no other choice than to join the chorus.
On the other hand, many had also fell victim of circumstance due to vulnerability. For over the years, millions of vulnerable ladies had been cajoled into prostitution by various pimps. The pimps disguise themselves to prove to the ignorant ladies that, their intentions are genuine. They would promise to send them abroad, after which they shall be occupied with promising white collar jobs. Out of ignorance, the ladies would dance to their tune. Then, when they have succeeded in sending them abroad, the drumbeat would change.
From my point of view, the above circumstances should not be considered as the major causes of prostitution, rather, apathy should. As an analyst, my long lasted research in the aforementioned scenario has ushered me into my recent point of conclusion. Honestly, laziness is the fundamental cause of prostitution, because, those young ladies ought to had considered involving in a better and decent unskilled labour instead of indulging in prostitution that would do them more harm than good. Of course, there are many unskilled labours that don’t even require any piece of capital or period of apprenticeship. Even, those that were cajoled fell victim due to idleness; because, if they had been occupied with something reasonable no matter how little, there wouldn’t be room for such mockery.
I wish to remind the actors of this rotten act that, the major consequence of such unlawful and indecent indulgence is death. If the major cause of the increase in death rate among the youths in our society is to be taken into consideration by the government or concerned individual(s), it would be revealed that, prostitution is one of the basic answers.
The death of the victims are usually as a result of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) contracted by them. Some of these STIs are gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, chancrous, genital warts, herpes genitals, herpes virginals, granuloma inguinal, publiclies, lymphogranuloma venenum, Human Immune Virus (HIV), just to mention a few. Inadequate/non treatment of any of the above diseases (infections) could lead to mental disorder, cancer, abnormality of the reproductive organs, or death. The worst of all the infections is HIV which does not have an absolute cure, but could be controlled if discovered on time.
Another avenue through which they lose their lives is ritualism. Many of them had died, and their corpses were nowhere to be found by their relations. While, some were found dead with some parts of their bodies missing, because, they passed a night with cultists or men hired by them.
The concerned authority ought to consider this deadly trend that would culminate to an alarming level of death rate and as well drastically reduce the number of available labour force in any society that’s involved, in the nearest future. The issue of the eradication of this blasphemous act should be the basis of their interest. The authority in collaboration with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other concerned groups/individuals should, from time to time organize seminars and workshops to enlighten and empower the youths respectively.
Also, messages should be properly disseminated to apt quarters, to inform them that, such act would not only end their lives, but as well, would tarnish the image/reputation of their respective lineages. ‘A stitch in time saves nine!’
_____________________
FDN NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
The act of having sexual intercourse in exchange for money has become a talk of the day in our noble society at large. In Nigeria as a case study, about twenty four percent (24%) of the entire population of the youths are into this ugly scenario. And if a drastic measure is not taken by the government or the concerned authority to stop this deadly act, in the next twenty years or thereabouts, about forty eight percent (48%) of our youths would be involved in the practice.
In this edition, our interest does not only lie on those who market their bodies in chalets, but also, on those who parade themselves on the streets, and in any public transport systems they found themselves. So, the edition is concerned with all aspects of prostitution.
About three weeks ago, I was in a luxurious bus heading to Abuja. My closest neighbour happened to be a very pretty young lady, in her early twenties. She clad in a hot mini-skirt and round neck polo. Along the line, I initiated a conversation and she responded accordingly. For over four hours, she remained my sole companion. After some minutes, she dosed off, or pretended sleeping, leaning her head on my shoulder. I tried to readjust her body, but she insisted unknowingly, or knowing. Only God could tell the actual fact. I frowned at the incident. May be, I was enjoying it; who knows? Only God could tell too. But it wasn’t funny at all. I kept reading the magazine I had in my hand, pretending we were playing the same wing. Due to my pretence, everyone around who observed the drama thought we were together I presume. Just a hypothesis; I’m just thinking aloud, because, going by the look on their faces, they weren’t embarrassed by the unending drama. After more two hours, the day ushered us into the long awaited night. This time, my companion loss her control. Her two legs became too distant from each other. Brethren, you wouldn’t believe what I saw with my naked and vulnerable eyes, which introduced an abrupt shock. Believe me, to make it brief, the lady in question wasn’t putting on any underwear. I felt abashed, though I smiled under false pretences. A disgusting moment indeed! You needed to see things for yourselves. At this point, I needed not a prophet to interpret the whole scenario.
The causes of prostitution are enormous that, one cannot easily state the major cause of the blasphemy. It may be caused by an accident or nature, such as, the loss of a job, benefactor, or a breadwinner of a family, unemployment and poverty.
A lady who loses her job or a benefactor may decide to embark on prostitution, out of agony or frustration. This would be considered by her as the only means (medium) to seek for refuge, since it requires no capital or skill. Because, if a certain skill should be acquired prior to embarking on the practice/’business’, a period of apprenticeship would automatically be the basis; and such would take a long duration before income would be ascertained or anticipated. Similar step would also be seen as the only available option by one (a lady) who loses a breadwinner of her family.
A graduate of a certain higher institution who had been in search for a white collar job for a long period of time to no avail, may end-up a prostitute due to loss of optimism. To her, the indulgence in any business that involves capital certainly means that, the years she exhausted in the university/polytechnic or as the case may be, were nothing but a waste.
The female members of a family that experience ardent poverty are not left out in such silly decision since every income generated from the so called business is regarded as profit. Out of vulnerability, they would be left with no other choice than to join the chorus.
On the other hand, many had also fell victim of circumstance due to vulnerability. For over the years, millions of vulnerable ladies had been cajoled into prostitution by various pimps. The pimps disguise themselves to prove to the ignorant ladies that, their intentions are genuine. They would promise to send them abroad, after which they shall be occupied with promising white collar jobs. Out of ignorance, the ladies would dance to their tune. Then, when they have succeeded in sending them abroad, the drumbeat would change.
From my point of view, the above circumstances should not be considered as the major causes of prostitution, rather, apathy should. As an analyst, my long lasted research in the aforementioned scenario has ushered me into my recent point of conclusion. Honestly, laziness is the fundamental cause of prostitution, because, those young ladies ought to had considered involving in a better and decent unskilled labour instead of indulging in prostitution that would do them more harm than good. Of course, there are many unskilled labours that don’t even require any piece of capital or period of apprenticeship. Even, those that were cajoled fell victim due to idleness; because, if they had been occupied with something reasonable no matter how little, there wouldn’t be room for such mockery.
I wish to remind the actors of this rotten act that, the major consequence of such unlawful and indecent indulgence is death. If the major cause of the increase in death rate among the youths in our society is to be taken into consideration by the government or concerned individual(s), it would be revealed that, prostitution is one of the basic answers.
The death of the victims are usually as a result of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) contracted by them. Some of these STIs are gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, chancrous, genital warts, herpes genitals, herpes virginals, granuloma inguinal, publiclies, lymphogranuloma venenum, Human Immune Virus (HIV), just to mention a few. Inadequate/non treatment of any of the above diseases (infections) could lead to mental disorder, cancer, abnormality of the reproductive organs, or death. The worst of all the infections is HIV which does not have an absolute cure, but could be controlled if discovered on time.
Another avenue through which they lose their lives is ritualism. Many of them had died, and their corpses were nowhere to be found by their relations. While, some were found dead with some parts of their bodies missing, because, they passed a night with cultists or men hired by them.
The concerned authority ought to consider this deadly trend that would culminate to an alarming level of death rate and as well drastically reduce the number of available labour force in any society that’s involved, in the nearest future. The issue of the eradication of this blasphemous act should be the basis of their interest. The authority in collaboration with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other concerned groups/individuals should, from time to time organize seminars and workshops to enlighten and empower the youths respectively.
Also, messages should be properly disseminated to apt quarters, to inform them that, such act would not only end their lives, but as well, would tarnish the image/reputation of their respective lineages. ‘A stitch in time saves nine!’
_____________________
FDN NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Immorality in Schools
RAPID GROWTH OF IMMORALITY IN OUR SCHOOLS
As a social analyst/crusader that considers education as a paramount tool towards any societal development, I’ve taken time to visit most of the schools in Nigeria with the object of ascertaining if students and pupils are actually practising/doing what they were supposed to practise/do. From my diligent research, I observed that, the state at which students in our various citadels of learning do not believe that some behavior is right and acceptable while others are wrong and unacceptable has become the talk of the day in our noble society. Is this the way forward?
Some of these vices practiced by the students are theft, bribery, fornication, cultism, examination malpractices, disobedience, improper dressing, disguise, drinking/smoking habits, prostitution, and what have you. Some are practised by the female students, and some are being practised by the male students, while most are found among both genders. We shall be discussing each of the ills listed above one after the other. I would be frank and discursive in my presentation for the reading pleasure of my fans whose unending text/e-mail messages remain my motivation; and for posterity sake.
Most students prefer bribery the lecturers to reading for their exams since they stand the greater chances of coming out with flying colours than those who read for the examination. More so, most of them who sit for exams end up cheating in the exam hall, which they see or consider as the only way to pass their courses because they never read for the exams. This aspect of cheating is also common amongst the secondary school students. On the other hand considering theft/larceny; some of the students live by collecting what belongs to their neighbours or fellow students. This is mostly common among the students who reside in the school hostel.
Secondly, most students in the tertiary schools see sexual intercourse as a way through which one can catch his/her fun, without acknowledging that this is only ideal for the married men and women. This ugly situation has contributed to the incessant occurrence and rise of unwanted pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in several societies. Sometimes it’s also found amongst the secondary school students. In the same vein, most female students in the higher institutions prefer walking naked to putting on their well cultured dresses. Also, wearing of ear rings and plaiting of hair has been a common phenomenon observed among the male folks. The female and male students in our various secondary schools have also joined the chorus. It doesn’t even stop at that; most of our female students live by opening their private parts for men, for the sake of receiving money from them. What is this?
Nowadays virtually every male student on campus depend on drinks and smokes on a daily basis. Most times they end-up being drunk. Some indulges in driving while drunk which has been the cause of most accident recorded on our roads. Some of the female ones are not left out. What a world!
It’s no longer a new story that most of the pupils and students in primary/secondary schools respectively don’t even listen or adhere to their parents’ instructions or advices. And to worsen the situation; the parents in question don’t even care to implement their instructions strictly. Most of them have suddenly become lousy. What’s happening to us?
Going through the above bad omens, anyone could boldly ask of where we’re actually heading to. And if such question eventually comes up, I’ll boldly respond that, we’re heading nowhere. Of course it’s boldly written that there’s no definite destination we’re actually aiming at considering the lackadaisical attitude of those concerned.
This high growth of immoralities witnessed on an hourly basis is not unconnected to lack of home training or inadequate upbringing of children. Those days, parents took it as a priority to monitor every bit of their child/ward’s movement, speech or activity. But nowadays, the reverse becomes the case; most parents utilize most of their times looking after their respective business ventures without minding the moral status of their children/wards. They believe that money answers everything; not knowing that, having a well behaved child is far better than riches.
Improper or non-disciplinary measures taken by the teachers should also be noted as one of the causes of the occurring deviance. Apart from inadequate upbringing of the kids by their parents, the teachers in their respective schools are also one of the major causes of the porosity discovered in their moral lives. Sometimes the pupils or students are being overlooked when they exhibit some characters that are not called for. By so doing, an enormous lapse would be created in the child’s moral attitudes (behaviours). This is what prompted the popular saying that says, “Spare the rot and spoil the child.”
Most of the teachers/parents are yet to acknowledge the fact that, the foundation of a child’s training lies in his/her home and nursery/primary schools, which are vital instruments to one’s educational background.
Provision/availability of mobile phones is another recent cause of the ongoing scenario. It has created an avenue for the secondary school students to indulge in ‘love affairs’. With the use of the mobile phones, and exchange of phone numbers between the students of opposite genders, they go extra miles keeping indoor appointments in which they end-up kissing and romancing each other thereby becoming randy. They don’t only use the phones to keep an appointment among themselves; they also use them to send some immoral text messages. They also make use of the so called midnight calls for their longtime emotional discussions instead of indulging in a useful conversation that would be of good help to their academic pursuits. Also, the children who have access to camera phones end-up occupying the phones with some pornographic pictures and/or films.
More so, the abuse of the use of other telecommunication equipment such as televisions and video gadgets, has contributed immensely to this moral leakage (decadence). Those days, the television and video machines were used at home by the children strictly for news and viewing of some holy films respectively. But today, the machines are being used to watch films that do not impact any reasonable knowledge on the children’s minds. To worsen it all, some parents do join their offspring whenever they see them watching the so-called films. What a tragedy! At recent times, no child even remember to listen to news, the parents don’t ask them to either.
Lack of sudden or frequent visit of the parents/guardians to know the welfare of their children/wards in higher institutions cannot be left out. Parents no longer take time to visit their children in the school to know their moral/academic status. Also, funding of the students by their parents without minding how the money is being spent has created a social vacuum in the society at large.
To wipe out these lackadaisical and blasphemous acts, the grass root of a child’s upbringing ought to not be taken for granted. The parents/guardian should devote large percentage of their time to their children’s/wards’ activities and welfare; and they should not fail to take a proper disciplinary action if they notice any character that’s uncalled for. The same measure should be taken by the teachers. The Holy Bible says in Proverb 23: 13-14, “Don’t hesitate to discipline a child. A good spanking won’t kill him. As a matter of fact, it may save his life.”
Secondly, a dressing code ought to be implemented by the Senate or the concerned/apt authority of each tertiary institution in Nigeria and across the globe in general. A tangible penalty or capital punishment should be issued to any student who fails to stick to the rule.
Thirdly, the government in collaboration with each of the schools’ board should set-up various panel to ensure that, each of the students sit for his/her respective exams without seeking for or hiring any external candidate. It should be applicable to both the secondary and tertiary schools. Furthermore, the Senate of all the higher institutions should strictly make expulsion (rustication) the only penalty for examination malpractices.
Fourthly, adequate measure should be taken by the government to monitor the activities of the students, to ensure a cult-free learning environment, and to eradicate stealing and prostitution wholly. A capital punishment like the one mentioned above should also be implemented if anyone is found guilty of any of these crimes.
The last but not the least, the parents/guardian should from time to time visit their children/wards in their various schools to enable them to be always conscious of any immoral act, or to desist from them/any if they are already party to the game. Above all, bars or beer parlours ought to be duly banned on or within the campuses to create a decent environment for learning.
And to the people in question; mind you, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Think about it, while I continue to pray for you!
_____________________
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
As a social analyst/crusader that considers education as a paramount tool towards any societal development, I’ve taken time to visit most of the schools in Nigeria with the object of ascertaining if students and pupils are actually practising/doing what they were supposed to practise/do. From my diligent research, I observed that, the state at which students in our various citadels of learning do not believe that some behavior is right and acceptable while others are wrong and unacceptable has become the talk of the day in our noble society. Is this the way forward?
Some of these vices practiced by the students are theft, bribery, fornication, cultism, examination malpractices, disobedience, improper dressing, disguise, drinking/smoking habits, prostitution, and what have you. Some are practised by the female students, and some are being practised by the male students, while most are found among both genders. We shall be discussing each of the ills listed above one after the other. I would be frank and discursive in my presentation for the reading pleasure of my fans whose unending text/e-mail messages remain my motivation; and for posterity sake.
Most students prefer bribery the lecturers to reading for their exams since they stand the greater chances of coming out with flying colours than those who read for the examination. More so, most of them who sit for exams end up cheating in the exam hall, which they see or consider as the only way to pass their courses because they never read for the exams. This aspect of cheating is also common amongst the secondary school students. On the other hand considering theft/larceny; some of the students live by collecting what belongs to their neighbours or fellow students. This is mostly common among the students who reside in the school hostel.
Secondly, most students in the tertiary schools see sexual intercourse as a way through which one can catch his/her fun, without acknowledging that this is only ideal for the married men and women. This ugly situation has contributed to the incessant occurrence and rise of unwanted pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in several societies. Sometimes it’s also found amongst the secondary school students. In the same vein, most female students in the higher institutions prefer walking naked to putting on their well cultured dresses. Also, wearing of ear rings and plaiting of hair has been a common phenomenon observed among the male folks. The female and male students in our various secondary schools have also joined the chorus. It doesn’t even stop at that; most of our female students live by opening their private parts for men, for the sake of receiving money from them. What is this?
Nowadays virtually every male student on campus depend on drinks and smokes on a daily basis. Most times they end-up being drunk. Some indulges in driving while drunk which has been the cause of most accident recorded on our roads. Some of the female ones are not left out. What a world!
It’s no longer a new story that most of the pupils and students in primary/secondary schools respectively don’t even listen or adhere to their parents’ instructions or advices. And to worsen the situation; the parents in question don’t even care to implement their instructions strictly. Most of them have suddenly become lousy. What’s happening to us?
Going through the above bad omens, anyone could boldly ask of where we’re actually heading to. And if such question eventually comes up, I’ll boldly respond that, we’re heading nowhere. Of course it’s boldly written that there’s no definite destination we’re actually aiming at considering the lackadaisical attitude of those concerned.
This high growth of immoralities witnessed on an hourly basis is not unconnected to lack of home training or inadequate upbringing of children. Those days, parents took it as a priority to monitor every bit of their child/ward’s movement, speech or activity. But nowadays, the reverse becomes the case; most parents utilize most of their times looking after their respective business ventures without minding the moral status of their children/wards. They believe that money answers everything; not knowing that, having a well behaved child is far better than riches.
Improper or non-disciplinary measures taken by the teachers should also be noted as one of the causes of the occurring deviance. Apart from inadequate upbringing of the kids by their parents, the teachers in their respective schools are also one of the major causes of the porosity discovered in their moral lives. Sometimes the pupils or students are being overlooked when they exhibit some characters that are not called for. By so doing, an enormous lapse would be created in the child’s moral attitudes (behaviours). This is what prompted the popular saying that says, “Spare the rot and spoil the child.”
Most of the teachers/parents are yet to acknowledge the fact that, the foundation of a child’s training lies in his/her home and nursery/primary schools, which are vital instruments to one’s educational background.
Provision/availability of mobile phones is another recent cause of the ongoing scenario. It has created an avenue for the secondary school students to indulge in ‘love affairs’. With the use of the mobile phones, and exchange of phone numbers between the students of opposite genders, they go extra miles keeping indoor appointments in which they end-up kissing and romancing each other thereby becoming randy. They don’t only use the phones to keep an appointment among themselves; they also use them to send some immoral text messages. They also make use of the so called midnight calls for their longtime emotional discussions instead of indulging in a useful conversation that would be of good help to their academic pursuits. Also, the children who have access to camera phones end-up occupying the phones with some pornographic pictures and/or films.
More so, the abuse of the use of other telecommunication equipment such as televisions and video gadgets, has contributed immensely to this moral leakage (decadence). Those days, the television and video machines were used at home by the children strictly for news and viewing of some holy films respectively. But today, the machines are being used to watch films that do not impact any reasonable knowledge on the children’s minds. To worsen it all, some parents do join their offspring whenever they see them watching the so-called films. What a tragedy! At recent times, no child even remember to listen to news, the parents don’t ask them to either.
Lack of sudden or frequent visit of the parents/guardians to know the welfare of their children/wards in higher institutions cannot be left out. Parents no longer take time to visit their children in the school to know their moral/academic status. Also, funding of the students by their parents without minding how the money is being spent has created a social vacuum in the society at large.
To wipe out these lackadaisical and blasphemous acts, the grass root of a child’s upbringing ought to not be taken for granted. The parents/guardian should devote large percentage of their time to their children’s/wards’ activities and welfare; and they should not fail to take a proper disciplinary action if they notice any character that’s uncalled for. The same measure should be taken by the teachers. The Holy Bible says in Proverb 23: 13-14, “Don’t hesitate to discipline a child. A good spanking won’t kill him. As a matter of fact, it may save his life.”
Secondly, a dressing code ought to be implemented by the Senate or the concerned/apt authority of each tertiary institution in Nigeria and across the globe in general. A tangible penalty or capital punishment should be issued to any student who fails to stick to the rule.
Thirdly, the government in collaboration with each of the schools’ board should set-up various panel to ensure that, each of the students sit for his/her respective exams without seeking for or hiring any external candidate. It should be applicable to both the secondary and tertiary schools. Furthermore, the Senate of all the higher institutions should strictly make expulsion (rustication) the only penalty for examination malpractices.
Fourthly, adequate measure should be taken by the government to monitor the activities of the students, to ensure a cult-free learning environment, and to eradicate stealing and prostitution wholly. A capital punishment like the one mentioned above should also be implemented if anyone is found guilty of any of these crimes.
The last but not the least, the parents/guardian should from time to time visit their children/wards in their various schools to enable them to be always conscious of any immoral act, or to desist from them/any if they are already party to the game. Above all, bars or beer parlours ought to be duly banned on or within the campuses to create a decent environment for learning.
And to the people in question; mind you, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Think about it, while I continue to pray for you!
_____________________
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
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