Cultism is one word that has been entrenched in the psyche of people in this part of the world especially because of the hazardous experiences we have had, either directly or indirectly. We have watched cult groups unleash irreparable loss, anguish and pain on our youths, families and society at large.

Though, cult activities in our tertiary institutions began in the 1950s, the 1990s witnessed a boom and a dangerous twist in cult activities. Today, there is said to be over 40 cult groups in our campuses. More worrisome is the existence of cult groups in secondary schools. One wonders what will propel a child in cradle to engage in such macabre activities that characterise these organisations.

Unlike community cult, membership of some of these nocturnal groups cut across gender and status. In the past, it was believed that membership of these groups was the preserve of male children of the top echelon of society. Today, this presumption has been rebutted as status and sex are no longer major considerations for membership. Nevertheless, there are still groups that are gender restrictive. To our chagrin, girls who should know better also took to this despicable practice.

As attempts are made to eradicate this hydra-headed scourge called cultism, there seems to be a geometric progression in membership and number of cult groups. Youths, especially the freshers, are lured into these groups as a result of peer influence, fear, deficient morals and most importantly, lack of self-esteem. These new entrants are attracted with promises of dominium, power and protection on campus. Unfortunately, as most of them are enlisted, they are not abreast with the hard facts of cultism. There are also instances where unwilling students are entrapped and forced to join these bloodletting cliques.

Expectedly, sooner than later, the tolls begin. Apart from the gory and rigorous initiation rites where some students have lost their lives, the initiates become targets of rival cults. As if that was insufficient, they are hounded by the school authority and law enforcement agents. They begin to engage in activities that were hitherto alien and unimaginable to them. Not to mention the deceit and innumerable lies they will begin to tell their parents and guardians.

As most of them get embroiled in these activities, their academic performances begin to dwindle. Some have had to leave school frustrated or outrightly expelled from school on grounds of poor academic performance. To avert this from happening, they resort to intimidating lecturers to award unmerited grades in examinations.

The terror unleashed by these cult groups in our campuses is unquantifiable. We have witnessed cult clashes that resulted in colossal losses. Students are wounded, maimed or killed. It sometimes leads to the incarceration, rustication or expulsion of both the innocent and the guilty. Obviously, as these things happen, the learning process is hampered.

A review of their activities leaves one without doubt that cultism has wrecked great havoc on both members and non-members of the academic community. Worse hit, though, are the members of these groups. Most of them leave school without the degree they went in search of while the less fortunate ones lose their lives. It is ironical that most people join these groups for protection only to expose themselves to danger and attack. It is heart-rending when one considers the grave consequences involvement in cultism portend.

Indeed, the menace of secret cult in our institutions of higher learning leaves one with a myriad of perplexing questions. If one may ask, is the allure of power, dominion, popularity and enhanced social status on campus worth sacrificing one’s life? Is it worth the shame of leaving school without a certificate? Do those who involve themselves sit down to count the cost before getting involved? Why should an intelligent student allow himself to be deceived by low performers and people propelled by inferiority complex? Students have wasted their lives just because they wanted to shore up their ego, intimidate fellow students and lecturers and date the best of girls. Is it worth it?

Realising the havoc wrecked by cultism, we must all play our part in ensuring that this evil that has put paid to the ambitions and dreams of most youths is eradicated for good. The starting point is for the youths to shun this destiny – destroyer, rise up against it and put their time, intellect and talent to good use. They should stop seeking groups to confer confidence and personhood on them. As a youth, remember your destiny is in your hands, you either choose to make it bright on you destroy it as may have done through cultism. The choice is yours but I will prefer you tow the path of greatness by shunning cultism first.

Mercy Oke-Chinda