National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Mr. Umoru Ambrose, Kwara State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called for the establishment of drug clubs in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He said that this would go a long way in discouraging the use of hard drugs on the campuses thereby improving the mental health of students.
Ambrose made this submission on Wednesday when he visited the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, in his office.
While lamenting the level of drug abuse in the State, the Commander noted that the agency would be glad to collaborate with the University in empowering the drug club with relevant information and communication to function effectively.
He explained that since students influence one another to take hard drugs, they would be in the best position to discourage themselves from drugs that are capable of destroying their lives.
Mr. Ambrose suggested that a date be set aside for the formal inauguration of the drug club to create community.
He revealed that Kwara State has highest drug use prevalence in the North Central zone of the country, adding that the agency is equipped with a centre for counseling and rehabilitation of drug students
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkareem cautioned students against the use of hard drugs, stressing that it not only destroys their lives, but the entire society.
Prof. Abdulkareem promised to work closely with the drug agency while thanking the Commander for showing interest in the welfare of staff and students of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor, who said that he does one on one counseling informed the Commander that the University has a vibrant
He noted that drug use and the available options have become very sophisticated hence the need for stakeholders to synergize their effort to combat the spread.
While assuring the NDLEA commander of the institution’s readiness to partner with the agency, Prof. Abdulkareem stated that he does one on one counseling with students struggling with drug use through the Counselling Centre situated in the institution.
