THE Federal Government has vowed to intensify campaign against cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse and other social vices Nigerian students at various levels of education.
Senior Special Assistant to the president on Student Engagement, Honourable Sunday Asefon, said the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is concerned about the growing presence of social vices, such as drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty, that threaten the well-being and academic success of students.
Asefon said government was determined to eliminate these social vices, he noted were capable of undermining the efforts of government to ensure unfettered academic calendar and smooth running of both the basic and tertiary institutions in the country.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria in Abuja by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu.
Asefon said: “The formation of this committee is focal to our nation’s journey. We acknowledge the growing presence of social vices, such as drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty, which have been threatening the well-being and academic success of our students.
“These vices cast a shadow over the vibrant environment of our tertiary institutions and hinder the development of our future leaders.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to safeguarding the future of Nigerian students. Today we assemble representatives from diverse backgrounds to lead this special commitment to our dear nation.
Addressing members of the committee, the special assistant said: “The weight of responsibility you carry is significant. You are entrusted with developing and implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate students about the dangers of social vices and promote positive values.
“You will collaborate with tertiary institutions to strengthen security measures and create an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
He assured students of the committee’s readiness to serve them, adding that “we believe in your potential and the government is out to empower you to make positive choices.
“Engage with the committee’s initiatives. Seek help if you struggle with addiction or face negative influences. Remember, a brighter future awaits you, and you hold the power to shape it. Let us work together to eradicate social vices from our institutions. Let us foster a culture of academic integrity, respect, and personal responsibility.”
“With unwavering dedication and collaboration, we can create a future where Nigerian students thrive, not just academically, but as responsible and ethical citizens of Nigeria,” he added.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu while inaugurating the special committee charged with the responsibility of combating social vices among Nigerian students in both tertiary institutions and secondary schools across the country, said the committee would also foster a generation of ethical, responsible and successful young Nigerians.
The committee headed by former Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and deputy vice chancellor, Nigerian Army University (BIU), Major-General Suleiman Kazure (Rtd), as its chairman, was also mandated to through comprehensive and collaborative approach, raise awareness, promote positive values and provide support to students.
The Minister commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on student engagement, Honourable Sunday Asefon, for rising to the challenge by constituting the committee to tackle the menace of drug abuse, inappropriate dressing, rape, prostitution, cybercrime, cultism related activities, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty, and other social vices on Nigerian campuses.
“You will agree with me that this Special Committee is coming at no better time than now in this era of abuse of social media and multiplicity of information. The negative influence of the contents of some of these information as well as peer pressure on our students have had exponential consequences which are injurious to our societal values and national peace.
“In recent times, there has been an increase in the cases of indiscipline in our institutions and we are all concerned on how to confront the ugly phenomenon. Government will not relent in its efforts in striving to reposition the education sector in Nigeria.
“However, the government’s plans and efforts will be a mirage if the menace of social vices in our tertiary institutions is not curtailed,” he stated.
Read Also: Five reasons oral sex is unhealthy
