The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is set to hold a National Summit on Drug Abuse on Tuesday, 20th of August 2024.
According to Senator Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, the Clerk of the Senate, NANS National Secretariat, the summit will be held at the Main campus of University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
The summit is a significant and timely event that will address the growing concerns surrounding drug abuse amongst Nigerian youths.
The summit aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including the academia, health, and government to discuss and propose solutions to the drug abuse crisis that continues to plague the country.
Drug abuse among young Nigerians has become a critical issue, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Recognizing the urgency of this problem, NANS has taken proactive steps in the past to combat this menace.
Recently, the National students body organized a “Walk Against Drug Abuse” across campuses in the six geopolitical region of Nigeria, which received widespread participation and acclaim. The walk has been credited with significantly reducing the rate of drug abuse in the country, and it has sparked a renewed commitment to addressing the issue on a national scale.
The forthcoming National Summit on Drug Abuse is a continuation of these efforts, serving as a platform for further dialogue and action.
The summit will feature keynote addresses and presentations by respected figures in the fields of medicine, education, and public health. Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, a renowned academic and medical expert, will deliver the keynote speech; Prof. (Dr.) Adewale Musa-Olomu and Dr. Hammed Abodunrin, both distinguished in their respective fields, will also deliver papers as guest speakers at the event.
Their insights and expertise are expected to provide valuable perspectives on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to drug abuse.
The theme of the summit will revolve around strategies for reducing drug abuse among Nigerian students and the broader youth population.
Discussions will focus on the root causes of drug abuse, including socio-economic factors, peer pressure, and the lack of adequate mental health support.
Additionally, the summit will explore preventive measures, rehabilitation programmes, and policy recommendations that can be implemented at both institutional and governmental levels.
NANS appealed to all Nigerian students to actively participate in the important summit as the association recognizes the vital role that students play in shaping the future of the nation, and their involvement in the fight against drug abuse is crucial.
Student leaders are encouraged to attend the summit where they will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and other attendees.
“For those who are unable to attend physically, the Convener has made provisions for virtual participation through different social media channels, ensuring that as many students as possible can be part of this critical conversation.
“The 2024 National Summit on Drug Abuse is not just a forum for discussion; it is a call to action. NANS is committed to ensuring that the recommendations and resolutions from the summit are implemented effectively.
“The association will work closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that the fight against drug abuse is sustained and impactful.”
Comrade Uthman added, “The NANS National Summit on Drug Abuse (NSDA’24) represents a significant step forward in the battle against drug abuse in Nigeria. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of engaging all sectors of society in addressing this pressing issue.
“By coming together, Nigerian students, educators, and health professionals can create a future where drug abuse is no longer a threat to the well-being and potential of the nation’s youth.
“Together, let us confront the menace of drug abuse, safeguard the future of our young generation and also contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a drug-free Nigeria.
