MAIDUGURI — The Principal of Government College Maiduguri, Maaji Mm., has called on parents and guardians to take a more active role in disciplining and guiding their children, warning that inadequate parental supervision could have serious consequences for the younger generation.
Maaji made the call in a speech titled “Parental Failure – How Lack of Discipline Is Creating a Generation of Lost Souls,” in which he expressed concern over what he described as declining discipline, family values and parental involvement in the upbringing of children.
According to the principal, children who grow up without clear boundaries and correction may struggle with self-control and responsibility as adults.
He argued that parents should not shy away from correcting unacceptable behaviour, stressing that children need guidance, discipline and accountability as they grow.
“Children without discipline become adults without self-control,” Maaji said, adding that parents who fail to teach their children the consequences of their actions could leave them vulnerable to negative influences later in life.
The principal also raised concerns about the influence of social media on young people, particularly the growing role of platforms such as TikTok in shaping children’s attitudes, behaviour and values.
He said some children were increasingly learning from online platforms rather than from their families, which, in his view, could expose them to values and behaviours that parents might not approve of.
Maaji further criticised what he described as excessive pampering of children, saying that giving young people everything they demand without requiring responsibility could encourage entitlement and a poor attitude towards hard work.
He also urged parents to strike a balance between being approachable to their children and maintaining appropriate parental authority.
“Many parents today want to be their child’s friend instead of their leader,” he said, arguing that parents should be willing to tell their children when certain behaviours are unacceptable.
The principal expressed concern about what he described as a growing preference among some young people for immediate pleasure over responsibility, citing issues such as pursuit of quick money, excessive dependence on social media validation and difficulties coping with setbacks.
He maintained that parents, guardians and other adults responsible for children have an important role to play in preparing young people for adulthood by teaching them values, responsibility, resilience and self-discipline.
Maaji concluded by urging parents and guardians to pay greater attention to what happens in their homes and to become more deliberate in the upbringing of their children.
“Parents and guardians, please fix your homes,” she appealed.
