NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Rising Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths, Warns Students to Shun Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed deep concern over the rising rate of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria, warning that drug use offers no benefits and poses serious risks to individuals and society.
The Deputy Commander of the NDLEA in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegoke, raised the alarm on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at a two-day orientation programme for newly admitted students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI).
The lecture, themed “Healthy Living on Campus: Avoiding Drug Abuse and Its Long-Term Consequences,” highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and its far-reaching impact on families and the nation.
Adegoke described drug abuse among young people as a growing national challenge, noting that many youths who indulge in drugs often become sources of pain to their families and burdens to society.
According to her, drug abuse remains a major trigger for criminal activities in the country, as many crimes are committed under the influence of illicit substances. She warned students to stay away from drugs, stressing that substance abuse could result in physical, psychological and social complications.
The NDLEA official identified peer pressure, ignorance, easy access to drugs and family background as some of the key factors driving drug abuse among youths. She also cautioned students against excessive materialism, warning that drug abuse could lead to premature death, brain damage and other severe health conditions.
“Drug abuse has no benefits. Stay away from it. Do not associate with those who engage in drug abuse. Instead, focus on your studies and strive for excellence,” Adegoke advised.
She assured that the NDLEA would continue to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse across the country.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, disclosed that 1,200 new students had been admitted into the institution. Represented by his deputy, Prof. Monsuru Adegoke, the vice-chancellor warned students against cybercrime, cultism, indecent dressing and other social vices.
He stressed that violations of the university’s rules and regulations would attract appropriate sanctions, while assuring students of a conducive learning environment that supports academic excellence.
The orientation programme also featured sessions on the university’s code of conduct, dress code violations and sanctions, mental health awareness, the student handbook, and access to NELFUND, among other key topics.