Cultism Destroys Careers and Futures, UI Anti-Cultism Committee Warns Students

The Chairperson of the Anti-Cultism Campaign Committee of the University of Ibadan Centre for Social Orientation (CenSo), Helen Labeodan, has warned students against involvement in cultism, describing it as a destructive path capable of shattering careers, destroying dreams and wasting promising futures.

The warning was delivered to 300-level Medical and Dental students at the College of Medicine during an anti-cultism lecture titled “Danger of Cultism and Anti-social Conduct.” Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson, Olumuyiwa Adejumobi, Hall Warden of Independence Hall, urged students not to allow cultism derail their destinies or undermine their academic and personal aspirations.

He congratulated the students on gaining admission into what he described as Nigeria’s premier university and commended their academic progress, while stressing that campus cultism remains a real threat capable of ending promising careers prematurely. Students were cautioned against being lured into groups or associations linked with violence, drug abuse, extortion and other anti-social behaviours that could result in legal consequences or even loss of life.

The lecture highlighted several activities commonly associated with cultism, including substance abuse, examination malpractice, violence and criminal conduct, alongside consequences such as loss of focus, mental health challenges, shame, depression, addiction and stagnation in personal development.

Participants were also encouraged to heed guidance from parents and university authorities and to avoid anti-social vices that could jeopardise their future. The Centre for Social Orientation reaffirmed its commitment to sensitising students and steering them away from behaviours capable of undermining their academic and moral development.

Representing the Chief Imam of the university, Lere Ibrahim advised students to uphold moral values, maintain respect for their parents and strive to become responsible contributors to national development.

Similarly, the representative of the Chief Security Officer, Akinjide Ajagbe, urged students to report suspicious activities and seek guidance from appropriate authorities whenever necessary.

The President of the Students’ Union, Covenant Odedele, emphasised the importance of academic focus, noting that cultism undermines ambitions and truncates lives. He encouraged students to use their time productively and resist any influence capable of destroying their future prospects.