By Edwin Eriye
Education is a pivotal part of every society, as it is a panacea for solving problems such as illiteracy, ignorance, religious violence, insecurity and political servitude. Education also plays a vital role in producing competent workforce in divers industries, hence ensuring a robust economy and national development.
It is glaring enough that the role of education cannot be overemphasized. One would readily agree that the tertiary institutions are a meeting place for many young folks, folks who cut across different life orientations, moral standards, upbringings and even religious beliefs.
Those who are easily influenced, or should is say gullible, pick up the vices of other students who are fiercely convincing, influential and likeable, many end up picking destructing habits, which later pan out to become addictions.
One of these many destructive random habits that iscurrently infamous in our Universities, Polytechnics is the abuse of substances, substances which includealcohol, tobacco, prescribed drugs, cannabis and other psychoactive substances.
This is affecting the academic life of students, resulting in inadequate attendance, poor academic performance, and conflict with others, among other issues. Its adverse effects on the physical and mental health and sexual practices of university and polytechnic students cannot be over flogged.
While peer pressure can be one of the influencing factors, most students naturally have the desire to experiment, coupled with the absence of proactive programmes to combat drug abuse and raise awareness of its dangers.
Using substances as a means of relaxation, stress relief and increased performance is facilitated by the relatively easy availability of such substance around campuses.
Just as our higher institutions have combated and are still combating cultism, examination malpractices, and other vices, efforts should also be coordinated towards reducing, if not stopping the abuse of substances by their students.
Students should be in the know of the clear legislation with regard to restrictions and punishments of abusing drugs within the campus. Alternative recreational activities, and sensitization programmes should also be organized regularly.
