CAUSES, PATTERNS AND CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENTS' MISCONDUCT IN IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA UNIVERSITY LAPAI, NIGER STATE: AN ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Deviance, as a behaviour negates social norms, it is an inevitable feature of social life. Its manifestation is in various forms demonstrates its inevitability in any social interaction. Antisocial behaviour, a variant of deviance, has assumed alarming rates in Nigeria. The phenomenon is more worrisome in the institutions of higher learning. The incremental trend in antisocial behaviour among youths permeates virtually all institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. The doggedness of the syndrome has allowed its undue persistence leading to massive destruction of the moral fabric of society. In fact, the syndrome threatens to redefine the existential essence of tertiary institutions in the country, if left unchecked. Studies connect the phenomenon of antisocial behaviours to peer group influence, psychological problems, broken relationships, family backgrounds and poverty, academic frustration, pressure, search for identity, experimentation and so on. This diversity in causations proves the ubiquitous nature of the syndrome and calls for a holistic approach in tackling the problem. To achieve this, researchers must first understand the nature of the causes of antisocial behavior, its patterns and specific consequences on the individual, their group and the society at large. This informs the need for this research. The study focuses on antisocial behaviours among students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai, Niger State. The study seeks to unravel the causes, patterns and consequences of the rising antisocial behaviours on the institution and the society at large. The findings of the study shall be utilized to guide policy directions of the University towards minimizing and subsequently eradicating the menace in the University. A survey research design was adopted for the study and respondents were drawn from amongst students, parents, and staff of IBBU Lapai. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Nvivo respectively. In the quantitative analysis, descriptive statistical tools such as simple percentages, frequency distribution table and charts were used to present the data. Similarly, thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The results from the study helped in understanding the real causes of anti-social behaviour in the University, the trend or pattern of the antisocial behaviour, and the consequences of such antisocial behaviours on the institution and the society at large.