How old students’ associations can curb hooliganism in our secondary schools by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

How old students’ associations can curb hooliganism in our secondary schools by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

Introduction

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The rising cases of hooliganism, cultism, bullying, drug abuse and brazen indiscipline among secondary school students have become a grave concern to parents, teachers, government and well-meaning Nigerians. No school can achieve academic excellence in an atmosphere of violence, gangsterism, truancy and fear. While school principals and the Ministry of Education have statutory responsibilities, the Old Students Associations, as major stakeholders and proud products of these institutions, have a moral, historical and social duty to intervene. Their love for their alma mater, coupled with their influence and resources, uniquely positions them to restore discipline, core values and sanity among current students.

The 21 strategic interventions

1. Establishment of a Structured Mentorship Scheme: The association should institute a formal mentorship programme where accomplished old students regularly visit the school to counsel and guide students. A child who interacts closely with a judge, doctor, engineer or entrepreneur who once sat in his own classroom is less likely to embrace hooliganism.

Annual moral and career talk series: Beyond academics, old students should organise quarterly talks on moral values, career choice and life skills. Topics such as the dangers of peer pressure, cultism and drug abuse should be addressed by old students who are professionals in relevant fields.

Creation of a welfare and educational support fund: Many students drift into delinquency out of frustration, hunger and lack of materials. A welfare fund to support indigent but brilliant students with school fees, books, uniforms and food will reduce vulnerability to recruitment by bad gangs.

Provision of recreational and sporting facilities: Idleness is a breeding ground for hooliganism. By renovating football pitches, providing table tennis boards, basketball courts, and equipping libraries and laboratories, old students will positively channel the energies of students.

Security and intelligence committee: The association should work with the school management and the Parent-Teacher Association to set up a discreet monitoring committee. Early signs of gang formation, bullying and extortion can then be detected and nipped in the bud.

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Institution of awards for discipline and integrity: We are quick to reward the best in Mathematics and English. Old students should also institute prestigious annual awards for the most disciplined, most honest, neatest and most respectful students to encourage good conduct.

Rehabilitation programme for identified offenders: Expulsion alone is not a solution. Old students who are psychologists, counsellors, lawyers and clergymen should be engaged to counsel and rehabilitate students already involved in hooliganism and reintegrate them.

Strengthening the guidance and counselling unit: Most school counselling units are moribund. Old students can equip the unit, sponsor the training of counsellors and ensure every student has access to confidential counselling on anger management and conflict resolution.

Revival of school clubs and societies: Literary and Debating Society, Press Club, Drama Club, Jet Club, Boys Scout, Girls Guide and Red Cross all instill leadership, teamwork and discipline. Old students should revive and fund these clubs.

Support for school security infrastructure: To deter criminal acts, the association can donate CCTV cameras, solar-powered perimeter lights, walkie-talkies and support the employment of trained, vetted security personnel.

Confidential reporting channel: Many junior students suffer in silence. A confidential whistle-blower line, a dedicated phone number or a locked suggestion box sponsored by old students will allow victims of bullying to report without fear.

Regular inter-house and inter-class competitions: Healthy rivalry promotes unity. Old students should sponsor annual inter-house sports, debate competitions and quiz contests that foster school spirit and break clannish gangs.

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Enforcement of code of conduct: The association should fund the printing of a clear, illustrated Students Code of Conduct, with defined offences and sanctions, to be given to every student at admission. Ignorance will then no longer be an excuse.

Involvement of traditional and community leaders: When the association brings in respected traditional rulers, Baales and religious leaders to speak to students during speech days, the message against hooliganism carries greater cultural weight.

Parental engagement and re-orientation: Hooliganism often starts from home. Old students can organise annual parenting seminars to educate parents on responsible upbringing, supervision and the dangers of over-pampering.

Physical presence during school functions: The mere presence of old students during school anniversaries, valedictory services and open days serves as a moral check. A well-constituted task force of old students should always be present to support teachers in maintaining order.

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Scholarship and holiday apprenticeship scheme: By linking senior students to holiday internship, ICT training and vocational apprenticeship through their network, old students keep them productively engaged and focused on a bright future.

Preservation and promotion of school heritage: Old students should document the history, anthem, ethos, core values and past heroes of the school in a booklet. When students know the sacrifices of their forebears and take pride in their heritage, they will protect its name.

Public declaration of zero tolerance: The association should make a public declaration against cultism and hooliganism, and make both old and current students sign a pledge form renouncing violence. Such a declaration should be published in the school.

Collaboration with law enforcement agencies: The association can facilitate sensitisation visits by the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NSCDC and the State Security Service to educate students on the legal consequences of hooliganism, possession of weapons and illicit drugs.

Sustained and consistent engagement: The greatest threat to any intervention is inconsistency. Old students must not appear only during centenary celebrations. Regular visits, continuous financial support, constant communication with the principal and follow-up on adopted projects will prove that the alma mater has watchful fathers and mothers.

Conclusion

Hooliganism cannot be defeated by teachers alone. It requires a communal approach. Old Students Associations are not mere social clubs for reunion parties; they are custodians of the school’s legacy and continuity. If they commit their time, resources, influence and moral authority to the 21 strategies outlined above, they will not only stop hooliganism but also rebuild a generation of disciplined, patriotic and productive citizens. The time to act is now, before the school that made us loses its soul.

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References

Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Policy on Education, 6th Edition, 2013.
Ogundele, M.O. and Ojo, S.A., Influence of Peer Pressure and School Environment on Students Indiscipline in Oyo State Secondary Schools, Journal of Educational Studies, 2022.
UNESCO Report on School Violence and Bullying, 2023.