DECLINE IN DISCIPLINE AND MORALITY IN NIGERIA
There. is no doubt that there is a general decline in discipline and morality in our society. Everyday there are reported cases of indiscipline and immorality. In fact, it has reached a frightening proportion. The youths disrespect the elders and one often hears of students beating up their teachers. Cultism and all other forms of immoral acts are now common in our society. Policemen and women brazenly collect bribe while government officials embezzle public funds.
The causes of indiscipline and immorality in our society are not far-fetched. The seed of indiscipline is sown at home when youths begin to disrespect their parents. From there, they grow to disobeying constituted authorities. The high point is when they begin to behave immorally at home and in public. In other words, indiscipline and immorality start from home. Nowadays, parents have no time for their children's upbringing. Parents go out early in the morning and come back late in the night. Some parents are drunkards and quarrelsome. They exhibit many other bad characters not worthy of emulation. Therefore, the home influence is a great factor.
Similarly, societal influence is another strong factor causing a decline in the level of discipline. The society which is immoral and which encourages indiscipline cannot produce disciplined youths. Here and there. Nigerians acquire illegal wealth by crooked means. Public officials, more often than not, embezzle public funds and it is a common sight to see policemen and women collecting bribe publicly. They even aid and abet armed robbery and smuggling.
Nevertheless, this ugly situation can be reversed. If we want to eradicate indiscipline and immorality in our society, all hands must be on deck. Since indiscipline and immorality begin from home, parents have a lot of work to do. They should consider it a priority to train their children. In addition to this, the religious bodies should be ready to do a lot too. They should educate the youths and the elderly alike on the vices of crimes and immorality. Our people must be told and encouraged to be disciplined and of good morals in their dealings. The leaders and the elders should live a life worthy of emulation and set good moral standards. The society can change for the better if our public officials in government can be disciplined and upright. If the changes start from the top, the level of discipline and morality will be raised.