INSTITUTIONAL WEAKNESS AND SURGE IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CULTISM, GANGSTERISM, AND STREET GANGS

Cultism, gangsterism, and street gang activities among Nigerian students are disturbing issues attracting international attention despite the presence of institutions such as law enforcement agencies, the government, and the judiciary. This study examines the relationship between institutional weakness and the surge in cultism, gangsterism, and street gang activities in Nigerian universities and colleges using social influence theory. The study argues that institutional weaknesses, such as corruption, ineffective law enforcement, inadequate governance, and poor parental supervision, contribute to the proliferation of cultism and gangsterism in Nigerian universities and colleges. Social influence theory posits that individuals are shaped by their social environment and peer groups, leading to the adoption of cultist and gangster behaviours. The study identified peer group influence, poor parental training, emotional instability, and societal decadence (institutions) as key factors contributing to the surge in cultism and gangsterism activities in Nigerian universities and colleges. The study unveils the consequences of cultist and gangsterism activities such as violence, killing, education disruption, and community instability. The study recommends strengthening institutions, community engagement, parenting and family support, and campaigns against cultism