Teachers’ Opinions on the Forms, Causes, Consequences, and Possible Solutions to Deviant Behavior Among Senior School Students in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

This research examined teachers’ opinions on the forms, causes, and consequences of deviant behavior among senior school students in Ilorin South Local Government Area in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive form of survey research. The study population consisted of teachers of public senior secondary schools in Ilorin South; the study group was comprised of 322 teachers selected from 23 schools in the area using the purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire designed by the researcher with 28 items using a four-point Likert scale was used to elicit the necessary data from the respondents. The tool was checked for content validity and the split-half method revealed a reliability index of 0.68. A descriptive statistical method of percentages was used to answer the research question. The findings revealed that lateness, truancy, disrespect of the school authority, and examination malpractice were some of the forms of deviant behavior prevalent among the students. Also, access to illicit drugs and over- or under-pampering of children were considered some of the causes of deviant behavior, while academic failure, increased dropout rates, increased social vices, and an inconducive teaching and learning environment were thought to be the consequences of deviant behavior. Therefore, the provision of adequate facilities, monitoring of students’ activities at all times, and professional counselling are possible solutions to the problem of deviant behavior among the students.