CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

Background to the Study

An almost universal anxiety exists in relation to curbing indiscipline in the schools. We have visions of loosing control to the extent that students are at best ignored and this makes them to engage in several undesirable acts. The issue of indiscipline demands our serious consideration and resolution because of its visible impediment to national growth and development.

        Indiscipline is a derivative of the word discipline. In an attempt to discuss indiscipline intensively, we need to discuss the concept of ‘discipline’. Discipline is a multifaceted concept that is essential if effective learning and learning will take place in the school. According to the chamber twentieth century dictionary: discipline is a mode of life in accordance with rules; subjection to control.

        Akinboye (1982) viewed discipline as a procedure of rules and strategies which lead the child to manage his/her behaviour patterns in such a way that he/she is able to maintain socially and culturally acceptable order. Discipline represents a successful resolution of conflict between what an individual was to do and the limitations and restrictions imposed by the society in which he lives (Jimoh, 2002).

        Adesina, (1980) defined discipline with reference to the school system as how students are taught to respect the school authorities, to observe the school laws and regulations and to maintain an established standard of behaviour.

        ‘Discipline’ in the school is now passing through an extended eclipse. The problem of indiscipline permeates all facets of our life. It is better pictured by a cartoonist showing an agile horse ready to move but bugged and tied down by an ugly looking archer who is named “Indiscipline” (Yaroson, 2004).

        Indiscipline is the direct opposite of discipline, Aiyepeku (1987) defines indiscipline as any act that does not conform with the societal values and norms. He further stated that behaviours that are termed as acts of indiscipline as any and norms. He further stated that behaviours that are termed as acts of indiscipline in the school context include; stealing, rudeness, lateness e.t.c.

        Okoye (1986), opined that behaviours that run counter to the values and expectation of the society and order of a community can be referred to as deviant behaviour. Omoegun (1995) noted that the school comprises of students from different homes and thus producer a complex set of behaviours which they exhibit positively or negatively.

        So many measures have been taken to reduce indiscipline to a minimal level in our society. War Against Indiscipline (WAI) was launched on the 20th of March 1984 by the regime of Buhari/Idiagbon to maintain discipline. Also ICPC, EFCC were also launched among others to deal with various cases of indiscipline. Today, the society is characterized with various forms of misconduct such as cultism, teenage parenting, drug addiction examination malpractices, delinquency, foul language,  embezzlement, bribery, mismanagement as outlined by Asonibare and Mordi (1984).

        The best way to solve a problem as observe by Morgan (1995), is to identify the causal factors, it is in this regard that a study on the causes of indiscipline among post-primary school students in the recent time is considered appropriate.   

        The choice of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State is necessitated by the recent report that Kogi State is rated 2nd on the list of states involved in examination malpractice for the years 2002 – 2004 WAEC and NECO Exams; this indeed is a gross act of indiscipline. Also, in 2009, a female student in SS (1) slapped a male teacher in one of the selected schools (Local government comprehensive secondary school, Kabba) for attempting to correct her. Similarly a group of JSS 3 students left the class for a palm wine joint, drink themselves to stupor and returned back to the class, only to start destroying things.

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
4. 4. For PROPER paraphrasing (see your university definition of plagiarism and acceptable paraphrase)
5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
Thank you so much for your respect to the authors copyright.