Dr. Charles Umeh, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, discusses the issue of forgery in Nigeria in an interview with LARA ADEJORO.
When asked about the psychological aspects of forgery, Dr. Umeh explains that individuals who engage in forgery may have different motivations and levels of conscience. While some may be pathological liars who feel no remorse, others may feel guilty when they lie. However, regardless of the degree or reason for lying, it ultimately affects a person’s integrity, self-esteem, and their ability to take responsibility for their actions. He also mentions that if individuals who rarely engage in lying find themselves in difficult situations and resort to lying, it can become a psychological issue if they are discovered. In the case of pathological liars, lying becomes second nature, making it challenging to distinguish truth from falsehood in their everyday conversations.
Dr. Umeh emphasizes that people’s reactions to forgery can influence the psychological impact. If there is widespread condemnation, especially when it involves younger individuals, they may experience trauma and feel weighed down. In some cases, psychological intervention may be necessary for them to recover. He highlights the importance of handling such situations in a supportive and constructive manner to mitigate the negative effects.
Regarding the motivations behind cheating, Dr. Umeh mentions that students nowadays often lack faith in their ability to succeed through hard work. With the society celebrating individuals who have achieved success without knowing the means employed, younger generations believe that cheating is a viable path to excellence. He points out that societal values play a crucial role in shaping these beliefs and behaviors. Dr. Umeh suggests that values should be instilled in children from an early age, teaching them the importance of hard work and discouraging shortcuts to success. He also acknowledges that some schools and teachers may contribute to the problem by compromising their integrity.
When asked if forgery is a spiritual or psychological issue, Dr. Umeh clarifies that it is primarily a psychological matter. He explains that society reinforces such behavior by celebrating individuals who engage in fraudulent activities without questioning the source of their wealth or possessions. Children observe this and aspire to achieve similar status, leading to a cycle of unethical behavior. Dr. Umeh emphasizes the influence of societal values and norms on shaping individual behavior.
To address forgery and related issues, Dr. Umeh suggests that change must begin at the family level. He emphasizes the importance of strong family values and the need for parents to address and correct their children’s bad behavior. By instilling genuine and respectable values within families, positive changes can ripple through society. He also encourages the media, including the film industry, to promote and reward good values in their portrayals, serving as role models for behavioral change. Additionally, Dr. Umeh mentions that the government should lead by example and create an environment that encourages adherence to ethical standards.
Dr. Umeh concludes by highlighting the deteriorating discipline in schools, where teachers are afraid of students and face consequences for disciplining them. He believes that many societal problems stem from issues within families and communities, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address these underlying factors.
Leave a Reply