JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

VALUE RE-ORIENTATION AS BEDROCK FOR GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES

MAKINDE Veronica Ibitola PhD

Abstract

The university education which was highly revered for quality education and character in the past is now becoming a den for corrupt activities like examination malpractice, sexual assault, substance abuse, cybercrime, and criminal activities like cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, violence, etc. The increase in the rate of crime among undergraduates can be traced to a gross decline in moral values and poor character development. It is believed that individual is the creator of his own fortune and misfortune therefore, the character displayed by students are product of a complex interplay of individuals’ beliefs, experiences, and decisions over a lifetime. This paper looked into the factors responsible for moral and value decadence, the concept of character and character development with William Glasser’s control theory as the theoretical framework. Value reorientation as the bedrock for formation of good character development was discussed. The writer suggested that character education should be inculcated into the University Curriculum while Guidance Counsellors who are well skilled in character moulding should impart such knowledge to the students. Counsellors can also use counselling strategies like role – playing, mentoring, and assertive training among others to help students develop good character. Students should be well sensitized and reorientated through workshops, seminars and awareness campaign programmes.

Key Words: Character, Values, Character Development, Reality therapy, Value Re-orientation, Omoluabi.