The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is worried about the increasing rate of drug abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria.
The agency warned that schools are becoming breeding grounds for substance abuse, posing serious risks to students’ academic and personal development.
Speaking at Government Girls Secondary School, Rumukwuta, Port Harcourt, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the agency’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, Oligbu Chukwuma, stressed that drug abuse is fueling crime and reducing productivity across the country. She described it as a growing menace affecting millions of Nigerians.
Statistics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) indicate that over 14 million people in Nigeria misuse drugs, further highlighting the severity of the crisis. Secondary school students, according to NAFDAC, are increasingly falling victim to this trend, leading to declining academic performance and increased absenteeism.
Adeyeye therefore warned that unchecked drug abuse among teenagers could have long-term consequences on the country’s workforce and social stability. She urged stakeholders, including parents and educators, to take proactive measures in curbing the spread of substance abuse among young people.
As part of efforts to address the issue, NAFDAC has continued sensitization programs in schools and communities, pushing for stronger policies and increased awareness to protect students from falling into drug addiction.
