1.1 Introduction
In Nigeria, the syndrome of quick wealth acquisition is still pervasive throughout all socioeconomic strata and ethnic groups. Many Nigerians believe that amulets and charms, whether worn about the body or placed in homes and vehicles, will ward off misfortunes including illness and disease, death, stillbirth, and accidents (Oyewole, 2016). Furthermore, individuals believe that magical mixtures made with strange ingredients and ceremonial sacrifices would grant them fame, prosperity, and power (Obineke, 2008). Money or wealth rituals are those that include making sacrifices as part of a ritual to bring about or improve financial fortunes. Money rituals are believed to bring wealth or good fortune to the performer (Smith, 2001). The materials used in money ritual sacrifices vary according to the doer's desired level of riches. While some employ human body parts thought to be more effective, many also use animals (Jegede, 2014; Abayomi and Dedeke, 2006).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the years, Undergraduate students have become enmeshed in the maze of finding out how to survive in our capitalist world. In such a society, success becomes a huge task that is only given to men (or women) with great hearts at least up to the point of meeting basic wants and gaining necessities that elevate humanity. This is a result of the gap between the affluent and the poor that exists between earth and heaven. Unfortunately, most undergrads have a strong desire for get-rich-quick scams rather than working to accumulate riches and live the type of life they wish. The term "Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome" has been associated with risky ventures since at least the early 1900s (Ogunrin, 2018).
Recently, hundreds of innocent Nigerians, both male and female, have died and had portions of their bodies cut off as part of ceremonial sacrifices intended to bring money. There has been a startling increase in the number of murders and incomplete body abandonments in Nigerian cities (Usman, 2017). A vital component in a Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome is the identification of a particular object that becomes a sacred symbol through a process of sanctification (Fontaine, 2011).
Since its offenders and victims are often geographically separated, Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome has a worldwide reach. The prevalence and ease of committing cybercrime have increased. Because of the advancements in technology, it is becoming increasingly challenging for law enforcement officers to stop the practice. Developing countries in particular have higher rates of victimisation since they are ill-prepared to protect themselves against cyberattacks. All nations should prioritise safeguarding their citizens from cybercrime (United Nations Office on Drugs Commission [UNODC], 2005).
Engagement is influenced by both gender and the kind of institution. In a similar line, Ige (2018) discovered that students' perceptions of cybercrime led to high mean scores. The word "cybercrime" refers to crimes committed online that employ computers as a target or a tool. Included are any illegal activities performed by one or more people known as online fraudsters, scammers, or hackers (Lexis, 2013).
According to Calum (2014), the Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome (cyber crime) remains a top national security issue in the United Kingdom. Illegal internet use is one of the three biggest threats to cyber security in the UK. The syndrome of acquiring wealth quickly is a universal phenomena that happens worldwide. People are more likely to use the internet for illegal purposes due to rising internet usage and accessibility as well as the rising quantity of public and private assets held online rather than in physical places. There are around 1.8 billion internet users in the world (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Perceived Influence of Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome among Male Undergraduates.
1.3 Statement of Problems
According to an investigation, the excessive desire for riches is still unquestionably a significant societal issue that exacerbates other social issues that affect Nigerians of all ages (Bisong and Ekanem, 2014). The nation's fabric has been severely weakened by the cybercrime epidemic. The use of computers illegally for criminal purposes is known as cybercrime. With increased internet usage and accessibility comes the possibility of people using the internet for illegal activities, which might result in more public and private assets being stored electronically in more nations (Calum, 2014). To ascertain the Perceived Influence of Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome Among Male Undergraduates, the study is conducted against the background of this research.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Perceived Influence of Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome Among Male Undergraduates using University of Nigeria Nsukka as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the relationship between quick wealth acquisition syndrome and undergraduate male students parenting styles;
- To determine the factors influencing male undergraduates into quick wealth acquisition through dubious means;
- To identify the consequences of obtaining instant wealth among male undergraduates; and
- To proffer solution that will orientate male undergraduates about the effect of Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome through dubious means.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are male undergraduates aware about the effect of quick wealth acquisition syndrome through dubious means?
- Does religious belief, parenting styles and peer pressure on Quick Wealth Acquisition Syndrome influence undergraduate students?
- Is there any factor influencing male undergraduate into quick wealth acquisition through dubious means?
- What are the consequences of obtaining instant wealth among male undergraduates?
- What is the relationship between quick wealth acquisition syndrome and undergraduate male student's parenting styles?
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