Perceived Influence of Counseling-Driven Value Reorientation in Addressing Moral Decadence among Undergraduate Students in Universities in Benue State

Abstract

The study investigated the perceived influence of counseling-driven value reorientation in addressing moral decadence among undergraduate students in universities in Benue State. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprises 36,326 undergraduate students in public Universities in Benue State. The sample size for the study was 396 undergraduate students who were selected using proportionate stratified and accidental sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Counselling-Driven Value Reorientation and Moral Decadence Questionnaire” (CDVRMDQ). The questionnaire was validated by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method which yielded a coefficient of 0.83. Data collected for the study were analyzed using Means and Standard Deviation to answer the research questions while Chi-Square Goodness of Fit was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study’s findings revealed that academic dishonesty, drug and substance abuse, sexual misconduct, criminal activities, examination malpractice, lack of civic responsibility, dishonesty, cultism, gang activity, among other issues, were the prevalent forms of moral decadence among undergraduates in public universities in Benue State. Furthermore, the key factors contributing to moral decadence were identified as peer influence, socioeconomic challenges, parental and family influence, inadequate counseling and guidance, academic pressure, and concerns related to unemployment, among others. Additionally, the study indicated that undergraduate students expressed a strong willingness to actively participate in counseling-driven value reorientation programs. Moreover, it was established that counseling-driven value reorientation programs had a perceived positive influence in addressing moral decadence among undergraduate students in universities within Benue State. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the significant role that counseling-driven value reorientation programs can play in addressing and mitigating moral decadence among undergraduate students in public universities located in Benue State. To address these concerns effectively, the study recommends that universities should integrate value reorientation and moral education as core courses within their curriculum, providing students with a robust foundation in ethics and civic responsibility. Furthermore, universities should continuously assess and adapt counseling-driven value reorientation programs to ensure their ongoing effectiveness in addressing moral decadence among undergraduate students.