Contemporary Social Problems in Nigeria

What are Contemporary Social Problems?

Contemporary Social Problems (also called Contemporary Social Issues) are problems that negatively influence a large number of individuals in our present-day society. 

Contemporary Social Problems are issues that exist and are contrary to the acceptable norms and values of our present-day society. They are conditions and behaviours that make life unsafe and uncomfortable for members of the community and affect the development of society.

Examples of Contemporary Social Problems?

Contemporary social problems in Nigeria include:

• Cultism
• Examination malpractice
• Religion and ethnic conflicts
• HIV/AIDS
• Prostitution
• Rape
• Domestic violence
• Drug abuse
• Corruption
• Human trafficking
• Unemployment
• Poverty

Cultism: 

This is an act of belonging to an unacceptable group or sect in society. These groups engaged in negative activities which bring about loss of lives and properties.

Examination Malpractice: 

These are all fraudulent acts perpetrated in the course of writing examinations in schools, these include impersonation, ‘giraffing’, bringing cheat sheets into the examination hall, etc. This is a problem because it affects educational development.

Religion and Ethnic Conflicts: 

These are fights and conflicts between two or more religious groups and discord among ethnic groups or tribes. It usually leads to loss of lives and properties and affects the development of the entire society e.g. Boko Haram, Niger-Delta militant, etc.

HIV/AIDS: 

This is an infectious disease that is contracted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, or the use of sharp objects belonging to an infected person. It is dangerous because it is deadly. This infectious disease was first discovered in Nigeria in 1986.

Prostitution: 

This is the act of having sexual intercourse in exchange for money. It is dangerous because there is a possibility for both participants to contract sexually transmitted infections or disease which can be very dangerous to health.

Rape: 

This is the act of having forceful sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim. It is a nightmare for the victim and almost always affects the victim psychologically.

Domestic Violence: 

This is the act of aggressive behaviour or violence between couples, in a home or family. It is a situation where people physically harm, act aggressively or violate each other. It is a social ill because it affects the individual and other members of the family psychologically and emotionally. Domestic Violence also exists where it is a child or other members of the household (such as relatives or house helps) being harmed.

Drug Abuse: 

This is an act of using drugs outside of the Doctor’s Prescription e.g. taking an overdose or underdose. Taking illegal drugs is also drug abuse.

Corruption: 

This is any case of dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power. Some examples of corruption include giving and taking bribes, forging papers, embezzlement, etc.

Human Trafficking: 

This involves the act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person (or persons) through the use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting (or taking economic advantage of) them. The Victims here are unfortunately usually women and children.

Unemployment: 

This is a situation where there is a lack of job opportunities for graduates and youths. Thereby, increasing the risk of such youths engaging in criminal activities in society.

Poverty: 

This is a situation where people are extremely poor and cannot afford to take care of their needs.