IMPLICATIONS OF RECENT TRENDS IN STUDENTS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR FOR THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

1.1 Introduction

Anti-social behavior is a broad term used to describe day to day incidence of nuisance and disorder that affects peoples’ lives. Anti-social behaviors are disruptive acts characterized by covert and overt hostility and intentional aggression towards others. Anti-social behaviors exist along a continuum and include a repeated violation of social rules, defiance of authority and of the rights of others, deceitfulness, theft and reckless disregard for self and others. Anti-social behaviors develop and are shaped in the context of coercive social interactions within the family, community and educational environment. It is also influenced by the child’s temperament and irritability, cognitive ability, the level of involvement with deviant peers, exposure to violence and deficit of cooperative problem solving skills. Behavioral disorders include stealing, violence, drug abuse, examination malpractice, sexual abuse and truancy.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Nigerian society is a highly dynamic one. The dynamism gives rise to new issues of public interest. It also generates new problems and poses daunting challenges for which the society and its people cannot overlook. If there is any issue that is most pressing in the minds of people as far as education is concerned, it is that pertaining to the quality or standard of education. Critics point out that policy makers and planners are more concerned with the number of educated number of graduating rather than with quality of graduates.

Anti-social behaviors can be broken down into two components: – the presence of Anti-social (i.e. angry, aggressive or disobedient) behaviors and the absence of pro-social (i.e., communicative, affirmative or cooperative) behaviors. Most children exhibit some Anti-social behaviors during their development, and different children demonstrate varying levels of pro social and Anti-social behaviors. Some children may exhibit high levels of both Anti-social and pro social behaviors. However, some may exhibit low levels of both types of behaviors; for example the withdrawn, thoughtful child.

Young children may exhibit hostility towards authority, lie, steal or engage in violent behaviors can be diagnosed with conduct disorder. Mental health professionals agree, and rising rates of serious school disciplinary problems, delinquency, and violent crimes indicate, that Anti-social behavior in general is increasing. A greater proportion of them suffer from the social, academic and occupational failures resulting from their Anti-social behavior.

Farrington (2005) points out the following indicators of Anti-social behavior in childhood and adolescents: behavioral disorder, impulsiveness, stealing, vandalism, resisting authority, physical and/or psychological aggression, bullying, running away from home, school absenteeism, cruelty towards animals, etc. As for adulthood, Farrington points to illegal or criminal behaviors, drug and/or alcohol abuse, marital breakdown, gender violence etc. Evidence from previous studies reveals probability of Anti-social behaviors being interrelated, retained or progressive.

Education is a universally accepted facilitator of change and a meaningful dynamic process for social, academic and economic development. According to national policies of Nigeria which states that, not only is education the greatest force used to bring about redress, it is also a great instrument of its economic, social, political and human resources, Hence, the attempt to study the influence of Anti-social behavior on students’ academic performance and the way forward.

Recently the dramatic increase in the prevalence of problematic behaviors during adolescence has broken the traditional view that academic success is the only standard in assessing good students. In Nigeria, not only students’ school performance, but also their behavior has been given considerable public attention. Hence, high academic performance and behavioral competence are regarded as two important indicators for determining the overall well being of students. These behavioral disorders have undermined effective teaching and learning processes that some teachers have become helpless and disorganized in their task of imparting knowledge to learners. Several factors have been identified as being responsible for Anti-social behaviors, some of these factors include: home factors, school factors and environmental factors.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Implications of Recent Trends in Students Anti-Social Behaviour for the Future of Education.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that a lot of students have dropped out of school and others opted to engage in criminal activities thus endangering the lives of the people living in their surroundings, The young generation no longer has role models since most of the young Adults are unemployed and under the influence of drugs.

Due to the rapid development, behavioral problem have become a menace among students and is even affecting their performances in class. Despite the worldwide concern and education about the dangers of drug abuse and other related behaviors, most of the students have limited knowledge of how dangerous the habit is (Ngesu, 2008). Despite the government’s concern and heightened campaigns against the vice among high school students, there exists a parallel accelerated rate of students who are illicit drug users, truants, thieves and prostitutes.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Implications of Recent Trends in Students Anti-Social Behaviour for the Future of Education in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To find out the existence of Anti-social behaviors among students in the area of study;
2. To examine the approaches to preventing Anti-social behaviors among students;
3. To investigate the factors causing Anti-social behaviors among students; and
4. To determine the relationship between Anti-social behaviors and the academic performance of secondary students in the area of study.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Is there any relationship between Anti-social behavior and academic performance of secondary school students in the area of study?
• To what extent is Anti-social behavior prevalent among students in the area under study?
• What are the factors of Anti-social behaviors among secondary school students?
• What are the approaches to preventing Anti-social behaviors among students in secondary school?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between Anti-social behavior and academic performance of secondary school students.
• H1: There is a significant relationship between Anti-social behavior and academic performance of secondary school students.

1.7 Significance of Study

The significance of this research will constitute an enriching boost to already existing literatures on the issue of Anti-social behaviors, the causes and its effects on the academic performances of the student. It will help in giving more weight into the pattern of Anti-social behaviors among students and their academic determinants.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Implications of Recent Trends in Students Anti-Social Behaviour for the Future of Education in Nigeria.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this research work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this establishment to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
3. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
4. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
5. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.10 Definition of Terms

Antisocial Behaviour: It is any sort of behaviour that goes against the norms that society has placed.

Recent: This means having happened, begun, or been done not long ago; belonging to a past period comparatively close to the present

Trends: Is a general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Anti-Social: This means contrary to the laws and customs of society, in a way that causes annoyance and disapproval in others or not sociable or wanting the company of others.

Implication: This is the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.