Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, has called on academics and researchers to intensify efforts in finding solutions to the moral and societal problems affecting humanity.
Speaking at the first International Conference of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at Gombe State University, he emphasised the importance of the conference’s theme, “Value System and Core Challenges in the Contemporary World,” given the erosion of morals in society and the need for a positive societal shift.
The Deputy Governor challenged academics, researchers, and stakeholders to identify and address the root causes of societal decline, advocating for a return to age-old traditions where morality was the standard.
He lamented the loss of values such as hard work and dignity, noting that many now seek shortcuts to success, resulting in fake certificates, unprofessional practices, and a decline in educational standards.
Dr. Jatau also highlighted the prevalence of crime, asserting that family and religious institutions have failed to impart proper values to the youth.
He argued that theft and other immoral behaviors are not solely the result of unemployment, as they are also common among the educated and employed.
In their remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Danladi Umar, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Ibrahim Waziri Abubakar, emphasized the importance of the conference in addressing the decay of cultural values and morality in the face of technological advancements.
They noted that the event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
In his lead paper, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Prof. Umar Pate, explained that culture provides identity and societal values that guide people’s lives.
He stressed the importance of teaching children the right morals to prevent them from engaging in unethical behaviors in the future.