The Price of Carelessness: Why Students Must Avoid Indiscipline That Destroys University Dreams -By Iddo Timothy Hassan

For many students, gaining admission into a university or any higher institution is a dream achieved after years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope. Parents struggle financially, families pray endlessly, and students themselves dedicate sleepless nights to studying just to secure a chance for a better future. However, despite these efforts, some students lose everything because of carelessness, indiscipline, and involvement in activities that eventually lead to suspension or expulsion from school.

Life in tertiary institutions comes with freedom. Unlike secondary school, students are often left to make decisions on their own. While this freedom can help students grow and become responsible adults, it can also destroy futures when abused. Many students gradually lose focus after gaining admission. Academic dedication becomes replaced with excessive partying, cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, internet fraud, violence, and unhealthy peer influence.

One of the major causes of expulsion in higher institutions is examination malpractice. Some students depend on cheating rather than studying hard. They enter examination halls with prepared answers, unauthorized materials, or even attempt to bribe lecturers. Unfortunately, many schools now operate strict disciplinary systems where anyone caught cheating faces severe punishment, including rustication or permanent expulsion. A few minutes of dishonesty can destroy years of academic struggle.

Cultism is another dangerous issue affecting students in tertiary institutions. What begins as a search for protection, popularity, or belonging often ends in violence, fear, arrest, injury, or death. Many students who joined secret cults believing it would make them respected eventually lost their education and future opportunities. Universities are environments meant for learning and personal development, not criminal activities or violence.

Drug abuse has also become a growing concern on campuses. Some students become addicted to substances because of depression, peer pressure, curiosity, or the desire to “feel among.” Sadly, drug abuse affects academic performance, mental health, behavior, and decision-making. Under the influence of drugs, students may become involved in fights, theft, harassment, or other misconduct capable of leading to disciplinary action from school authorities.

Peer pressure remains one of the strongest influences on students. Many students who were once disciplined become irresponsible simply because they want acceptance from friends. The desire to fit into certain social circles pushes some into reckless lifestyles that damage their academic journey. A wise student must understand that not every friendship leads to progress. Choosing the right friends can determine whether a student graduates successfully or leaves school in regret.

Students must understand that tertiary education is not only about passing examinations but also about building character, discipline, and responsibility. Employers and society value individuals who can combine intelligence with good behavior. A student who avoids trouble, respects school regulations, attends lectures regularly, and remains focused on academic goals is more likely to succeed both in school and in life.

Dedication is the key to a successful university journey. Students should develop positive habits such as time management, serious reading, participation in academic activities, and seeking guidance when facing challenges. They should also avoid shortcuts to success because most shortcuts eventually lead to destruction.

Every student admitted into a tertiary institution carries a dream, a dream of graduating, becoming successful, and making family proud. That dream should never be exchanged for temporary pleasure or careless decisions. The price of carelessness is often too costly, while discipline and dedication remain the safest path to academic success and a brighter future.

IDDO TIMOTHY HASSAN
Department of Mass Communication
University of Maiduguri.