BY YUSUF BABALOLA
Every day in Nigeria, values and morals continue to erode, especially among the younger generation. What was once considered unacceptable behaviour in society is gradually being normalised, and in many cases even celebrated. This decline is not happening in isolation—it is largely fueled by a poor upbringing from parents who, out of misguided love or fear of societal backlash, now prefer to spare the rod rather than instil discipline in their children. The result is a generation of youths growing up without boundaries, without respect for authority, and with little or no sense of responsibility.
The home, which should serve as the first place of character formation, is gradually failing in its role. Many parents now encourage their children to argue with elders, dismiss instructions from authority figures, or even retaliate violently when corrected. Today, we see children openly insulting or attacking elders without any consequences. Worse still, society often looks the other way, as though such behaviours are part of “modern civilisation” or “freedom of expression.” What was once regarded as indiscipline is now being rebranded as confidence, and what was once condemned is now being glorified.
Unfortunately, government policies have not helped matters. Across many states in Nigeria, the ban on corporal punishment in schools—though well-intentioned—has created more harm than good. Instead of protecting learners, it has emboldened many of them to engage in reckless and destructive behaviours because they know their teachers are powerless to discipline them.
A case in point is the recent incident at Ilugun High School in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where students allegedly attacked their teachers and vandalised school property. In a viral video circulated on social media, groups of students were seen throwing stones at classroom windows until the glass shattered. They went further to yank out aluminium window slides from their frames, leaving the classrooms in ruins. In another footage, some of the students were seen dragging and physically assaulting a person alleged to be one of their teachers.
Such brazen acts of violence against educators—those entrusted with imparting knowledge and shaping the future of society—are not only disturbing but also a grave affront to the sanctity of education. Reports suggested that some of the students were under the influence of drugs and other substances at the time of the incident. While the Ogun State Government swiftly condemned the attack, what was missing was a clear disciplinary framework or strong corrective measures to forestall a repeat of such disgraceful behaviour. By failing to act decisively, the government inadvertently sent the message that such actions carry little or no consequences, thereby opening the door for more acts of indiscipline in the future.
Equally troubling is the way some state governments themselves seem to promote questionable values under the guise of “youth engagement” or “inclusivity.”
For example, the Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, announced controversial social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as an ambassador for its Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA) campaign.
This announcement shocked many Nigerians, not only because Mandy Kiss has a well-documented record of glorifying drug use and promoting sexually explicit content, but also because earlier in the month she publicly declared her plan to sleep with 100 men in 24 hours—a proposal that drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally. Even the Guinness World Records, which she had attempted to involve in her stunt, distanced itself from the immoral and unsafe endeavour.
Yet, instead of condemning such a character, the Lagos State Government chose to reward her with an ambassadorial role in a campaign that is supposed to uphold values of discipline, decency, and drug-free living. This appointment has triggered a nationwide backlash, with critics describing the move as a mockery of public morality. Many observers fear that this decision not only undermines the credibility of the campaign but also sends the wrong message to young Nigerians—that one can gain fame, government recognition, and financial rewards by openly promoting immorality.
Indeed, the irony cannot be overlooked: someone who once promoted drug use and sexual recklessness is now being presented as a role model to advocate against the very vices she has been associated with. This contradiction exposes the lack of seriousness on the part of government in addressing moral decadence and substance abuse.
The broader implication of these developments is that both family structures and government institutions are contributing to the growing moral collapse in Nigeria. On one hand, many parents have abdicated their responsibility of raising disciplined, respectful children. On the other hand, governments, either through weak enforcement of discipline in schools or misguided appointments and endorsements, are encouraging behaviours that erode the moral fibre of society.
If urgent steps are not taken, Nigeria risks raising a generation that not only lacks discipline and respect for authority but also sees immoral behaviour as a ticket to fame and success. The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach: parents must return to their role as custodians of discipline; schools must be empowered to instil firm corrective measures without fear of backlash; and governments must stop glorifying individuals whose lifestyles contradict the values they claim to promote.
Moral decadence does not happen overnight—it is the accumulation of little compromises, overlooked misconducts, and misplaced priorities. The time has come for Nigerian society, from the family unit to the highest levels of government, to reawaken its conscience, reclaim its values, and rebuild a culture of discipline and respect before it is too late.
Yusuf Babalola is a journalist based in Lagos.
He can be reached via email at babalolayusufabiola@gmail.com or by phone at 0806 152 0468.
