Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Involvement in Thuggish Behaviour in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Understanding Causes, Educational Implications and Remedial Measures

Abstract

Thuggish behaviour is a detrimental force that undermines the societal fabric of any functional community, characterized by a dearth of civility, The core objective of the study, therefore, centred on investigating the involvement of undergraduate students in thuggish behaviour within Nigerian tertiary institutions, aiming to comprehend the underlying causes,, educational implications and potential strategies for addressing it. Employing a quantitative descriptive survey research design, the study was carried out in the Southeastern region of Nigeria, encompassing all undergraduate students, with a sample size of 2,100 individuals (comprising 992 males and 1,108 females) selected through a multistage sampling procedure.Data collection was conducted using a tool developed by the researchers, known as the "Thuggish Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ)." The validity of the instrument was confirmed through an extensive review of relevant literature and peer review by experts in Measurement and Evaluation, Psychology, and Counseling from the Faculty of Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. CronbachAlpha reliability coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument after data had been collected from a sample of 50 undergraduates from another institution not included in the main study. The pre-test of the instrument produced an alpha reliability coefficient of 0.78. Four research questions guided the study and were addressed using percentages, mean values and standard deviation. Results indicated a high prevalence of thuggish behaviour among undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Furthermore, it was discerned that such antisocial conduct not only jeopardizes the academic environment by creating an unsafe atmosphere for both staff and students, consequently leading to subpar academic performance, but also detrimentally impacts their overall well-being, contributing to negative emotional states. Additionally, the study identified remedial measures that could be implemented to combat thuggish behavior in tertiary institutions, including the introduction of conflict resolution and mediation programs to address underlying issues that may trigger such behaviour. Based on these results, it was recommended that all stakeholders collaborate to promote a positive campus culture emphasizing respect, tolerance, and inclusivity through awareness campaigns, workshops, and mentorship programs to discourage violence and provide support to students, particularly those at risk of engaging in thuggish behaviour.