Nigeria's Debased Values System at the Modern Era: Implications for Sports Development

Abstract

The paper discusses the Nigeria's debased values system at the modern era with its implications on sports development. Values system of any society greatly directs the behaviours and attitudes of the individuals in the society. Generally, the shift in the traditional values system of most Nigerians to a debased values system in the modern era as exemplified in the quest for money, age cheating, unpatriotism, enthno-tribalistic sentiments and inclination, lack of time consciousness or "African time", examination malpractice, who do one know and mediocrity syndrome, among others influence their behaviours and attitudes towards national development especially sports development. These debased values system have far-reaching implications to sports participants, organization and administration of sports, provision of sports facilities and equipment, recruitment and appointment of sports administrators into sports ministries and associations. The Nigeria's debased values system is not good for the development of sports at the local, state, national and international levels. Among the recommendations are that National Orientation Agency should embark on re-orientation campaigns and enlightenment on the effect of debased values on national and sports development; anti-graft agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should arrest and prosecute sports leaders who embezzle sports funds, and Nigerian primary, secondary and tertiary education should strengthen and emphasize moral and proper value education in their curriculum.

Key words: Debased values system, sports development, modern era, Nigeria.