Many are ignorant of the many dangers of “campus marriage” common among
students in Nigeria’s higher institutions. So many a destiny have been
cut in their prime due to what has gradually assumed a culture among
undergraduates.
In campus parlance, campus marriage is simply an immoral cohabitation
involving two individuals of the opposite sex living together usually
under the same abode, sharing everything in common. They eat and
sometimes study together in classes and even have intimate relationship
without being legally pronounced married.
This illicit act had overtimes increased the high rate of immorality
particularly on campus among Nigerian students in tertiary institutions
which never always lead to legal marriage. It has always ended at right
at the school gate.
Apparently, majority of culprits have no tangible reasons for engaging
in this immoral act. Although, having interviewed many especially the
female students, they said it’s a smart way to deal with the challenge
of lack of accommodation. Some have argued that they chose to be close
to each other for better intimacy whereas for others, the reasons are
clearly bogus.
Interestingly, some categorically said their reason for cohabitation is
hinged on meeting selfish emotional needs. For this category of
students, cohabitation is a sure-fire way to experience the complete
pleasure and excitement of living together.
Irrespective of how far they go in validating their practice, one cannot
deny the fact that it portends more harm than good for the couple.
Checks have shown that those involved in the act have had to battle with
the demands of academics, sometimes resulting in untold failure. Cases
of unwanted pregnancies are also rife, further fueling the lack of
concentration common among many students today.
There are even far more menacing dangers. There is the story of a
married female student in one of the Nigeria’s higher institutions, who
had extra-marital affair with a student. One day, the husband visited
unannounced only to catch both love birds in the act. This prompted the
husband to stab the lady to death. There are many other gory narratives
of this shade.
As seen in the lives of most practitioners, campus marriage affects a
student’s academic performance which often leads to eventual withdrawal
when such students can no longer meet the standards set by the school.
Expectedly, female students are the worst hit due to the possibility of
unwanted pregnancy. Cases abound of not only how this has stunted the
career growth of many females, but also the associated risk of death
when abortion becomes the last resort to save their faces.
Again, this act is considered illegal by law and immoral by both
Christians and Muslim faithfuls. Marriage is said to be a legal union
between two individuals of opposite sex – a man and a woman – recognized
and authenticated by any formal institution, be it the Church, Mosque
or law courts.
It is plainly foolhardy to put up with a man who has not paid the bride
price, much less solemnise a relationship. Female students who still
fall into this ditch deserve to be blamed for the calamity that stands
in their way.
However, it is better that students desist from engaging in cohabitation
of this manner. It’s a trap that has shattered the dreams and
aspirations of many young people. It never guarantees a successful
marriage either.
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