Job pressure forcing children to grow without home training, discipline — Prof Etta

A Professor of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, Prof. Hannah Edim Etta, has warned that the intense pursuit of careers, promotions and financial success is creating dangerous gaps in child upbringing and eroding family values in Nigeria.

Etta spoke at the 12th Inaugural Lecture of UNICROSS, held at the Department of Mass Communication Auditorium in the university on Thursday.

Speaking on the theme, “Links, Linkages and Missing Links: From DNA Backbone to Social Cohesion,” the don said the pressure to succeed professionally was forcing many parents to neglect their responsibilities at home.

She said the situation had left many children growing up without adequate guidance, discipline and emotional support, as parents increasingly hand over parenting responsibilities to caregivers, schools, social media and the internet.

According to her, the modern rush for promotions, multiple jobs, side hustles and financial security has created what she described as “missing links” in many Nigerian households.

“We are in a race where everyone is chasing titles and money, but losing their homes in the process,” Etta said.

“The family is the first school of the child. When parents are not there, we create a vacuum that the streets and social media will fill.”

The professor expressed concern that the consequences were becoming increasingly visible among young people, including juvenile delinquency, drug abuse and mental health challenges.

She said many parents only became aware of the consequences of inadequate parenting when the problems had become difficult to correct.

Etta called for urgent measures to restore a balance between career demands and family responsibilities, urging the government to introduce policies that would promote work-life balance, including flexible working hours and parental leave.

She also urged religious and community leaders to place greater emphasis on family cohesion and responsible parenting rather than excessive material pursuit.

“No career achievement can compensate for a broken home.

“We must bring the missing links together now before the damage becomes irreversible.”