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10 Universities With The Highest Rate Of Cultism In Nigeria: Institutions Affected By Cult Activities
Cultism in Nigerian universities has grown into a significant problem, leading to violent clashes, loss of lives, and a decline in the academic environment. While cultism originated in the 1950s as a movement for student rights and self-expression, it has evolved into dangerous and often violent groups within tertiary institutions across the country. Today, cult groups are linked with organized crime, political thuggery, and campus violence. Despite efforts by university authorities and government intervention, cult activities persist in many Nigerian universities.
Here is an overview of ten universities with the highest rates of cultism:
1. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin, located in Edo State, is known for having a high number of cult activities, particularly involving violent clashes between rival groups such as the Eiye, Black Axe, and Buccaneers. These confrontations frequently lead to deaths and injuries. Cultism at UNIBEN has been deeply rooted for decades, with students facing pressure to join these groups from both peers and external influences.
2. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
The University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State has gained notoriety for cultism-related violence. Cult groups often operate outside the university, causing insecurity in nearby communities. In recent years, cult activities have escalated in UNIPORT, with clashes between rival factions leading to campus closures and heightened security measures. Rivers State as a whole is a hotbed for cult-related violence, which spills over into the university.
3. Lagos State University (LASU)
LASU, located in Lagos, is another university where cultism is rampant. The school has witnessed brutal cult wars between groups such as the Black Axe and Aiye confraternities. These conflicts often occur during student elections, social events, and other occasions that draw large student gatherings. Despite strict anti-cultism measures, LASU continues to struggle with the influence of secret societies.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
At UNN, cultism is not as visible as in some of the other institutions on this list, but it is nonetheless a pressing issue. Cult-related violence often erupts during major student gatherings or elections, and in some cases, students have been killed in clashes between rival groups. UNN’s large student population and its location in a somewhat rural area make it difficult to control the spread of cult activities.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has had a history of cultism dating back to the 1990s. Several incidents of cult-related killings and campus unrest have marred its reputation. Cult groups at OAU often fight for dominance, especially during student elections or initiation seasons. Although the school has intensified its anti-cultism campaigns, the threat remains present.
6. Delta State University (DELSU)
Located in Abraka, Delta State University has a long-standing issue with cultism. Rival cult groups, including Black Axe and Vikings, are prevalent on campus. The school has seen violent confrontations that have resulted in injuries and deaths. The surrounding communities are also affected, as cultists often engage in criminal activities such as armed robbery and kidnapping outside the campus.
7. Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Ambrose Alli University, located in Ekpoma, Edo State, has one of the highest rates of cultism in Nigeria. Cult clashes between rival groups frequently disrupt academic activities and create a climate of fear on campus. The local community also bears the brunt of cult-related violence, with frequent clashes spilling into nearby areas.
8. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, has witnessed an increase in cultism in recent years. Cult groups such as the Buccaneers, Eiye, and Black Axe have established a presence on the campus, leading to violent confrontations. These groups often recruit new members aggressively, targeting freshmen who are new to the university environment.
9. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
FUTO is one of Nigeria’s leading technology universities, but it is not immune to cultism. Rival groups such as the Aiye and Vikings are active on the campus, and their violent clashes have led to injuries and fatalities over the years. The university has made efforts to curb cultism through disciplinary measures and increased security, but the problem persists.
10. Abia State University (ABSU)
Abia State University, located in Uturu, has been in the news multiple times for cult-related killings. In recent years, the school has witnessed brutal cult clashes that have claimed the lives of students. Despite the school’s anti-cultism campaigns and security measures, cultism remains a significant challenge.
The Impact of Cultism on Nigerian Universities
Cultism has had far-reaching effects on Nigerian universities. It disrupts the academic environment, as many students live in fear of being recruited or targeted by cult members. Cult groups often engage in violence to assert dominance, leading to campus closures, destruction of property, and loss of lives. Moreover, cultism has a detrimental effect on students’ academic performance, as many are either coerced into joining these groups or live in constant fear of victimization.
Cultism is also a breeding ground for other criminal activities, such as drug abuse, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Cult groups often maintain ties to political elites, who use them as thugs during elections. This connection to external influences makes it difficult to eradicate cultism from the university system.
Efforts to Combat Cultism
Various measures have been implemented by both university authorities and the Nigerian government to combat cultism. These include anti-cultism laws, security patrols on campuses, and public campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of cultism. Some universities have also introduced stiffer penalties for students caught participating in cult activities, including expulsion and prosecution. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often undermined by the deep-rooted nature of cultism in Nigerian society, where powerful individuals protect cultists from the law.
Conclusion
Cultism remains a significant problem in many Nigerian universities, with institutions like UNIBEN, UNIPORT, LASU, and others experiencing frequent cult-related violence. While efforts are being made to address the issue, the deep entrenchment of cultism in both university and political structures complicates the fight. To curb this menace, it will take a collective effort from university authorities, the government, and society at large. Strengthening anti-cultism laws and ensuring they are enforced without bias is crucial to restoring safety and peace in Nigeria's tertiary institutions.
