The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nigerian Universities has called on the government at all levels to create economic opportunity and inclusion to tackle drugs and substance abuse by youths.
The SUG President of the University of Jos, Mr Danladi Adankala, made the call during an event to mark World Mental Health Day on Monday in Jos.
The event was organised by the West Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Students.
Adankala said that the government must create more and more practicable economic opportunities for the youth. He expressed concerns over the prolonged strike in universities.”The prolonged strike has made many students idle, which may make them indulge in drug abuse. Substance abuse goes hand in hand with idleness. When the youth is engaged, this would forestall drug use and abuse,” he said.
Speaking at the event, a Registered Mental Health and Psychiatric Nurse, Malam Umar Auwal-Tilde expressed concern over the near lack of psychiatric hospitals in the north. Auwal-Tilde called on state governments to establish psychiatric hospitals.
“Out of the about 60 per cent of patients admitted in psychiatric wards or clinics, 50 per cent are drug abuse related, which requires concerted efforts to address,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Mustapha Umar, the Commander of the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau, said that public enlightenment was critical in the fight against drug abuse.
Represented by the Deputy Commander of Operations, Musa Maina, he thanked WAANSA for their efforts in the fight against drug abuse saying, “NDLEA will provide the necessary assistance to support NGOs fighting drugs abuse”
