Al-Hikmah University Journal

Cultism among polytechnic students in Offa Local Government, Kwara State, presents significant challenges that necessitate effective counselling interventions. This study explores the etymology and characteristics of cults, emphasizing their secretive nature and ritualistic practices. It highlights the prevalence of cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including polytechnics, citing factors such as peer influence, societal decadence, and the erosion of educational standards. The Innovative Defiance theory by Robert K. Merton serves as the theoretical framework, explaining how students pursue illegitimate means, like cultism, to achieve legitimate goals. The study proposes counselling solutions tailored to mitigate the psychological and emotional consequences of cult involvement. These include peer education programs to empower students with knowledge about cult dangers, group counselling sessions to address peer pressure dynamics, and individual counselling to support vulnerable students. Additionally, resilience-building workshops and trauma-informed counselling are recommended to facilitate recovery and resilience among affected students. The implications for counselling underscore the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed approaches that create safe spaces for students to heal and thrive. Collaborations with mental health professionals and community leaders are advocated to strengthen support networks and enhance intervention effectiveness. By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can mitigate the impact of cultism, fostering a safer and more conducive learning environment for all students.