As the 2024 National Summit on Drug Abuse (NSDA) came to a close, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has suggested among others the establishment of an Annual Drug Abuse and Prevention Awareness Programme and introduction of drug education into the school curriculum across all strata of learning.
These among others were suggestions put forward by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the end of the summit which was held on Tuesday, 20th August 2024 at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), FCT Abuja.
At a stakeholder conference addressed by Comrade Oladimeji Uthman
Clerk of the Senate,
NANS National Secretariat, he urged the Convener of the
National Summit on Drug Abuse (NSDA’24) to also the creation of Campus -based Counseling Centers, among others to check rising incidences of drug abuse among students.
NANS in its call to action against drug abuse, urged all students to stand united against all forms of the abuse and rampant misuse of drugs that have contributed significantly to the rising levels of violence and hooliganism in society, saying students must collectively take a firm stand to reduce these alarming trends.
The association explained that the proposed well funded Annual Drug Abuse and Prevention Awareness Programme across campuses nationwide should be adequately funded and designed to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide resources for those seeking help.
He charged that the proposed campus clubs should be staffed by trained professionals who can offer confidential support to students struggling with drug-related issues, the centres should focus on mental health, as drug abuse and mental health challenges often go hand-in-hand.
He explained that the proposed integration of drug education into the curriculum at all levels would ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge that will guide them about drug use, beginning from secondary school and continuing through higher education.
Other proposals put forward by NANS are the formation of Students led-Anti-Drug Abuse Clubs, adding, ” These clubs would serve as peer support networks, organizing events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness and foster a drug-free environment among the students populace.
“Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies: We urge the government and academic institutions to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that campuses remain safe and drug-free. This collaboration should include regular workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and security personnel on the legal implications of drug abuse and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
According to Comrade Uthman
Clerk of the Senate, the National Summit on Drug Abuse (NSDA’24) has laid the groundwork for a comprehensive approach to tackling the drug abuse crisis in academic institutions and urged the association take it up students, educators, medical professionals, government officials, and stakeholders to implement these resolutions and work together to build a safer and healthier future for youths across the country.
