MY TAKE ON THE UNIVERSITIES’ CULTURAL/SOCIAL WEEKENDS

We have seen recently, especially on social media, photos circulating of university students from different academic institutions in this country, engage in what they call “social weekends?” which are usually events or occasions where students engage in behavior that some consider unconventional, provocative, or even disrespectful. Critics point to students wearing revealing outfits, distorting religious attire, or generally behaving in ways that defy traditional norms. This has led to debates about whether such students are fit to represent the nation or be employed in professional organizations. Some argue that this behavior reflects a decline in moral values and responsibility, even linking it to broader societal underdevelopment. However, this perspective is flawed. Rather than condemning students for their social conduct, we should recognize that experimentation, nonconformity, and free expression are essential to intellectual and societal progress.

Those who criticize students for their weekend behavior often argue that their dress and actions are inappropriate, questioning their future professionalism. They suggest that such conduct demonstrates a lack of respect for tradition and religion, implying that these students will be irresponsible employees or leaders. However, this reasoning is problematic for several reasons.

First, there is no empirical evidence linking conservative behavior or strict adherence to tradition to economic or societal success. If this were true, the most religious and tradition-bound societies would be the most prosperous. Yet, developed nations, often the most economically and technologically advanced, are also those where individual expression, creativity, and even controversial behavior flourish. The United States, for instance, is a global leader in innovation despite its culture of free expression, which includes forms of dress and behavior that some may deem provocative.

History also shows that periods of great intellectual and societal advancement, such as the Renaissance, were marked by challenges to tradition. Thinkers like Galileo and Newton were condemned for their ideas, yet their “heretical” thinking laid the foundation for modern science. That includes Voltaire and friends. In the same fashion, students who push boundaries today may be the ones driving future progress. Restricting youthful experimentation in the name of tradition stifles the very creativity needed for development.

Human behavior is context-dependent. Just as people act differently in church, at work, or at social gatherings, students should not be expected to conform to rigid standards at all times. University is a space for exploration,  intellectually, socially, and personally. As long as their actions do not harm themselves or others, their behavior should not be policed based on outdated norms.  Also, experience is a powerful teacher. Many students who engage in unconventional behavior during their university years later adapt to professional environments. The freedom to experiment in youth often leads to greater maturity, as individuals learn from their choices rather than suppress their curiosity. Societies that discourage such exploration risk producing individuals who are afraid to innovate or think independently.

One of the obstacles to progress in many African societies is the fear of nonconformity. The communal mindset, while valuable in fostering unity, can also discourage individuality and innovation.

If students are constantly scrutinized for dressing differently or challenging norms, they will hesitate to take the intellectual risks necessary for breakthroughs in science, art, and governance. The world’s greatest innovators were often ridiculed in their time. If society had succeeded in silencing them, humanity would have been deprived of transformative ideas. Instead of condemning students for their weekend misbehavior, we should encourage a culture that values critical thinking, even when it makes us uncomfortable.

While it is understandable that some may prefer students who adhere strictly to tradition, we must recognize that societal progress depends on the freedom to explore, question, and sometimes offend. University students’ social weekend behavior should not be seen as a threat to their future professionalism or the nation’s development. Instead, it may be a sign of a dynamic, thinking youth, one capable of driving the innovation Africa desperately needs. Rather than stifling this spirit, we should nurture it, allowing experience and time to shape responsible yet forward-thinking leaders.