Causes of Social Problems in Nigeria

Social problems can occur in the societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More due to certain factors, which include:

Poverty: 

Unfortunately, it has been found that about 85% of Nigerians live in a state of extreme poverty. Although poverty makes life uncomfortable for the individuals experiencing it, it is also a social menace. It often leads to individuals engaging in illegal and immoral activities such as corruption, bribery, domestic violence, child labour, etc.

Poverty also hinders economic growth because a large population of people would not be able to afford the goods and services available in an economy. There will also be fewer people available to work and develop the country.

Poverty and lack of knowledge are major factors that promote incest.

Illiteracy: 

This is the inability to read and write. Causes of illiteracy include lack of funds for education, poverty, isolation, and hunger. Illiteracy prevents individuals from going about their daily activities in modern society, seeking suitable employment or understanding simple instructions and messages they encounter, for example, traffic instructions or other danger signs.

Greed: 

Greed is a major cause of corruption, we can say corruption is inspired by greed. Individuals or groups motivated by excessive desire for personal gain may engage in corrupt practices to achieve their objectives, often at the expense of others or the public good.

Science and Technology: 

The continuous development of science and technology has its negative and positive effects. Some problems Science and Technology have given rise to in society are: the use of nuclear and sophisticated weapons that lead to loss of lives and properties, the use of credit cards to perform internet and cyber crimes, etc.

Government over Emphasize Certificates: 

In Nigeria, job opportunities are not widely available, and because of this, employers feel the need to find the best candidate for an available position. Most Employers, and the Government alike, employ people based solely on certificates and not skill acquisition. Unfortunately, no matter how intelligent one might be on a job, you may not be awarded the position if you do not possess a good certificate from a reputable Institution.

Over-emphasis on certificates by governments can lead to negative societal consequences, including increased examination malpractice and a focus on superficial qualifications rather than true knowledge and skills.

Population Explosion: 

The population of Nigeria is so high that the available resources are not adequate to cater to the people. The Population Explosion of Nigeria is caused largely by the belief in customs that a man is free to marry as many wives as he desires – this gives rise to a high number of births.

Migration from neighbouring countries also affects Nigeria’s population, primarily through its role as a major destination for immigrants in West Africa.

Influence of Mass Media: 

Films and movies involving acts of crime have been known (sometimes) to inspire future criminals. Parents, Guardians and children do not always obey the age rating of movies, TV shows, books and video games. This thereby exposes youth and people to all sorts of immorality, crimes, etc, which bring about an increase in social problems.

Large Family Size: 

Larger families are more likely to experience poverty and malnutritionMalnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. More compared to smaller families. When the head of a large family struggles to provide financially, it can lead to significant hardship and stress for the entire family. This is because the family’s resources are spread thin across more individuals, potentially impacting their ability to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare.