The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) hat over 50% of students in secondary and tertiary institutions in Kano State are involved in drug use.
The
Superintendent of Narcotics at NDLEA, Jibril Ibrahim, disclosed this
information during a one-day symposium organized by the Society for Peace
Development and Education in collaboration with the Federal College of
Education (FCE) Kano, focusing on "The menace of drug abuse and the way
forward."
Ibrahim
highlighted the increasing prevalence of drug abuse, with schools actively
seeking NDLEA's involvement for lectures—an indicator of the rising issue. He
emphasized that the percentage of students involved in drug use is now
estimated to be between 50 to 60 percent, underscoring the urgent need for
intervention.
Calling
for proactive measures, Ibrahim urged academic institutions to implement strict
laws and punishments, proposing that students undergo a drug substance use test
at least once per semester. This, he believes, will act as a deterrent and
contribute to curbing the rising trend.
The
deputy provost of FCE Kano, Dr Dauda Sa’idu, reiterated the purpose of the
symposium, emphasizing the need to address the fast-spreading menace of drug
abuse, particularly among students. Although the college has recorded close to
zero recent cases, the symposium aims to prevent the escalation of drug-related
issues within the institution.
As
the chairman of the event, Makaman Bichi, Dr Isyaku Umar Tofa expressed deep
concern about the widespread abuse of drugs, especially among students. He
stressed the importance of collective action, urging all stakeholders to take
responsibility for addressing the issue. Dr Tofa emphasized the crucial role
parents play, urging them to closely monitor their children's activities and
fulfill their parental responsibilities.
"We must stop it from the source so that our children cannot even see or access it,” he stressed.
The
symposium serves as a call to action to address the growing challenge of drug
abuse among students in Kano State, urging a collaborative effort from
educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and parents to safeguard
the well-being of the youth.
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