Abstract: The research objective was to examine the impact of billboard campaigns on anti-cultism among students. Cultism’s activities have turn most of the school into a citadel of violence as many lives and property have lost and damaged. Realizing the havoc which cultism has wrecked on both members and non-members of the academic community, all hands must be on deck to combat the menace. Social Learning Theory and Source Credibility Theory were use to give this study the require footing. A quantitative research design was used in which cross-sectional survey method was adopted, equally, the data collection instrument adopted was questionnaire. Quota sampling technique was used to select respondents across the 7 faculties of Researchcage University. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency and percentage method while the data were presented with the aid of tables. The major findings of the study is that the problem of cultism, among others, is a symptom of society, which is embroiled in moral decadence, moral degeneration and where institutionalized and personal violence has become a way of life. Similarly, cultism activities have turned most of the school into citadel of violence as many lives and property have lost and damaged. Finally, it is therefore imperative on the part of the stakeholders in the university education especially public relations unit to sensitizing and educating students on how to ensure that university community remained peaceful.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Cultism has been a longstanding issue in Nigerian tertiary institutions, posing significant challenges to the academic environment, student safety, and societal development. To address this menace, various anti-cultism campaigns have been launched, employing different strategies, including the use of billboards. This study examines the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, highlighting their effectiveness in creating awareness, promoting deterrence, and fostering a culture of peace and academic excellence (Akpan, 2018).
Billboards serve as powerful visual tools to capture the attention of students and the general public. They are strategically placed in prominent locations on campuses, ensuring high visibility and maximizing their impact. The inclusion of eye-catching graphics, concise slogans, and relevant statistics on these billboards helps to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences associated with cultism. According to a study by Oyedele and Osinulu (2017), billboard campaigns significantly increase students’ knowledge and understanding of cultism-related issues.
The primary goal of anti-cultism campaigns is to deter students from engaging in cult activities. Billboard campaigns play a crucial role in achieving this objective by conveying powerful messages that discourage participation in cultism. These messages often emphasize negative outcomes such as expulsion, violence, loss of life, and the disruption of academic pursuits. A study conducted by Akpan (2018). found that the presence of anti-cultism billboards on campuses resulted in a significant reduction in reported cult-related incidents, indicating a deterrence effect.
Billboard’s anti-cultism campaigns also aim to promote a culture of peace and unity among students. By highlighting the importance of academic excellence, cooperation, and positive values, these campaigns foster an environment where students can thrive without the fear of intimidation or violence. The visual impact of billboards, combined with persuasive messages, helps to create a sense of collective responsibility and encourages students to reject cultism in favor of peaceful coexistence. A study by Obi (2018) reported an increase in students’ positive attitudes towards peace and non-violence as a result of exposure to anti-cultism billboards.
Billboard campaigns are often a result of collaborative efforts between tertiary institutions, student organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and law enforcement agencies. These collaborations enhance the effectiveness of the campaigns by pooling resources, expertise, and knowledge. By working together, these stakeholders can develop comprehensive anti-cultism strategies that address the root causes of cultism and promote long-term behavioral change among students (Okonkwo & Nwankwo, 2019).
By and large, billboard anti-cultism campaigns have proven to be effective in creating awareness, promoting deterrence, and fostering a culture of peace among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The visual impact and strategic placement of billboards ensure that the messages reach a wide audience, increasing knowledge about the dangers associated with cultism (Oyedele & Osinulu, 2017). Moreover, the campaigns serve as a deterrent, dissuading students from engaging in cult activities due to the awareness of the severe consequences.
By promoting a culture of peace, these campaigns contribute to the overall improvement of the academic environment and the well-being of students. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders further enhance the impact of these campaigns. Continuous evaluation and refinement of billboard campaigns, along with complementary initiatives, are essential to sustain positive outcomes and create lasting change in the fight against cultism. To this end, the research is on the thrust to investigate the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns among students with a particular focus on students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Cultism remains a significant challenge among students of Nigerian tertiary institutions, posing threats to their safety, academic environment, and overall well-being. Billboard anti-cultism campaigns have been introduced on the campus as part of anti-cultism campaigns. However, no study or only a few studies effectiveness examined these campaigns specifically within the context of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, to determine their efficacy in raising awareness, changing attitudes, and reducing cult-related activities among the students.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns among students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa. However, the specific objectives are:
- To assess the effectiveness of billboard anti-cultism campaigns in raising awareness among students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, about the dangers and consequences of cultism.
- To examine the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns on the attitudes of students towards cultism and their inclination to engage in such activities.
1.4 Research Questions
In order to explicate the aforementioned objectives, the listed questions provide answers to the research problem:
- To what extent have billboard anti-cultism campaigns been effective in raising awareness among students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, about the dangers and consequences of cultism?
- What is the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns on the attitudes of students towards cultism and their inclination to engage in such activities?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study on the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns among students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, lies in its potential contributions to the following areas:
Prevention of Cultism: Cultism is a significant problem in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including Federal Polytechnic, Offa. By investigating the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns, the study can provide valuable insights into effective prevention strategies. Understanding the effectiveness of these campaigns can help improve existing measures and develop targeted interventions to discourage students from engaging in cult-related activities.
Student Safety and Well-being: Cultism poses risks to the safety and well-being of students, affecting their academic performance and overall campus environment. The study can shed light on how billboard anti-cultism campaigns influence students’ attitudes and behaviors, potentially leading to a safer and more conducive learning environment at Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
Awareness and Attitude Change: Billboard’s anti-cultism campaigns aim to raise awareness among students about the dangers and consequences of cultism. The study can evaluate the extent to which these campaigns effectively raise awareness and promote a change in students’ attitudes towards cultism. It can also identify specific aspects of the campaigns that resonate with students and contribute to attitude change.
Policy and Intervention Development: The findings of the study can inform policy decisions and interventions targeted at addressing cultism within Federal Polytechnic, Offa. By understanding the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns, policymakers and administrators can make informed decisions about the allocation of resources, the development of educational programs, and the implementation of preventive measures.
Generalizability and Replicability: While the study focuses on Federal Polytechnic, Offa, the findings can have broader implications for other tertiary institutions facing similar challenges. The insights gained from this study can serve as a basis for comparative analysis and replication of effective strategies in other educational institutions in Nigeria or even globally.
Overall, the study’s significance lies in its potential to contribute to the body of knowledge on cultism prevention, student safety, and the effectiveness of billboard anti-cultism campaigns. The findings can guide the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions, fostering a safer and more conducive learning environment for students at Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and beyond.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study investigates the impact of billboard anti-cultism campaigns among students was narrowed in scope of Federal Polytechnic, Offa. Thus, the geographical scope of this study shall be within Kwara State. The choice of Federal Polytechnic, Offa students is due to its proximity to the researcher, and inadequate time to study all students in Kwara state among other logistics. However, the demographical variables of students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa were carefully examined before the administration of the data collection instrument (questionnaire).
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Impact: This means the effect or contributions of billboard anti-cultism campaigns in eradicating cultism on the Federal Polytechnic, Offa campus.
Billboard Advert: These are various billboards erected on the campus of Federal Polytechnic, Offa with the view to educate and enlighten students to shun cultism and violence.
Campus Cultism: These are groups of secret people creating some socio vises on campus such as the Eiye, Vikings, Amazons and Jezebel, Alora e. t. c