Beyond Academics: The Unspoken Realities of Female University Students in Northern Nigeria. — by Fatima Kurfi
Beyond Academics: The Unspoken Realities of Female University Students in Northern Nigeria.
Fatima Kurfi
Universities have traditionally been regarded as institutions where students acquire intellectual, moral, and character development, along with knowledge and various skills.
However, in Nigeria, this longstanding tradition appears to be facing challenges. Students seem to have adopted a different agenda, with a preference for cheating in examinations rather than dedicating time to study.
Additionally, there is a disturbing trend of involvement in illicit activities such as cultism, fashion, prostitution, night-clubbing, and watching pornography. Unfortunately, some female students view these activities as a means of livelihood.
Aristo contends that prostitution takes on different names within the university context. Both men and women actively participate in this practice, but there is a higher prevalence among female students. Consequently, this article will delve deeper into the situation, focusing specifically on the female students in the northern part of Nigeria.
Some ages ago, girls hardly pursued further education in the northern part of Nigeria. It was commonly known that the highest level of education for girls was primary school, with secondary education being the pinnacle. However, from the 19th century to the present day, girls in the northern part of Nigeria now have the opportunity to pursue higher education instead of getting married immediately.
While this is a positive development, it has also become a serious concern for parents in the northern region. The purpose of this article is to delve into the challenges faced by girls in higher institutions, specifically focusing on the northern part of Nigeria.
Prostitution has become a normal occurrence in the northern part of Nigeria. What is particularly disheartening is that of the prostitutes in the region are students in higher institutions. As the new generation emerges, the situation is worsening day by day, requiring serious consideration.
If we compare the present situation with that of decades ago, female education is a significant development for both individuals and the country. There’s a saying, “If you educate a girl, you educate the world.” However, the current scenario raises questions about the true motives behind pursuing education. Considering the current scarcity of responsible men, some girls may see university admission as an opportunity to find a husband or wait for a miracle.
Some of them are genuinely there to study, maintaining decency and moral values. Meanwhile, some view university as a place of freedom, aspiring to join the ranks of the civilised. The issue of girls in universities is a serious problem causing distress among parents in the northern parts of Nigeria. While parents desire the best for their children, the unintended consequences of sending female children to universities are distressing.
To address these issues, this article will explore the following aspects:
1. Causes of the problem
2. Blame allocation @ Parents, lecturers, students, or society?
3. Impact on the survival of the nation
4. Effect on religious beliefs
5. Influence on the future generation
CAUSES:
1. Carelessness of Parents: Some parents neglect to check on their children’s well-being at university or provide adequate support, leading to dire consequences.
2. Bad Friends: Friends play a significant role in influencing university life. Even well-trained individuals may succumb to negative influences, with friends encouraging drug use or engaging in immoral activities.
3. Financial Stability: Financial problems can drive some girls to engage in prostitution or lesbianism, seeking financial support to survive on campus.
4. Curiosity: Some girls experiment with drugs, premarital sex, or lesbianism out of curiosity, leading to addictive and harmful behaviours.
5. Freedom: Excessive freedom may lead girls to engage in activities that deviate from their academic responsibilities, seeking excitement and the feeling of maturity.
6. Lecturers: Some lecturers contribute to the problem by exploiting students for personal gain, including exchanging marks for sexual favours.
WHO TO BLAME: Blame can be attributed to parents, lecturers, and society. Some parents fail to provide adequate support, lecturers exploit their positions, and societal norms discourage corrective actions by neighbours or community members.
IMPACT ON THE NATION: The nation is adversely affected as educated women, intended to contribute positively, end up engaging in destructive behaviours. This leads to the spread of diseases, an increase in unwanted pregnancies, and even incidents of infanticide.
IMPACT ON RELIGION: The misuse of opportunities for education contradicts the values promoted by Islam and Christianity. Immoral acts go against religious teachings, leading to a decline in moral values and a sense of misery and distress.
In conclusion, parents need to monitor their children’s activities in university by making unexpected visits or appointing guardians. Lecturers should be aware of the responsibility they hold in shaping the future of these girls. Girls entering university should prioritise education, avoiding social activities that expose them to immoral behaviours. Lastly, prayer is essential for parents and society to navigate these challenges. The nation requires well-educated and responsible women for future growth and development. Beta Mama Na Better Pikin!
