Stakeholders have called for united action to tackle the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse in universities across the country.

They noted that the scourge of drug and substance abuse is becoming more challenging, affecting many students not only in the universities but also in Secondary schools hence the need to take decisive step to protect the future of Nigeria in institutions of higher learning.

At an online webinar with the theme, “Campus Crisis:Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse in Nigerian Universities”, organised by the Board of Fellows (BOF), Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria (PSN), Professor of Pharmaceutics and former Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Prof Oluwatoyin  Odeku lamented that the problem of drug abuse has become a national crisis adding that the nation’s universities which used to be engines for knowledge production and character moulding are currently being threatened by drug and substance abuse.

She pointed out that the experimentation of these drugs and illicit substances starts from 100 level targeting young people who are very vulnerable.

Odeku observed that academic stress and pressure to perform drive young students into drugs adding that drug and substance use is glamorised on the social media, making you
 She stated that there is an emerging trend of new psycho active substances in the country, adding that some students take multiple substances thereby making treatment very difficult and leading to increase in mental health deterioration and organ damage.

Odeku regretted that there is currently no legislation in place for the new psycho active substances , stressing that pharmacists have a huge role to play in addressing this menace.

Odeku highlighted critical areas requiring greater attention in addressing drug and substance abuse in Nigerian universities. She stressed the importance of expanding academic and clinical research, strengthening leadership and innovation, and increasing the presence of pharmacists, particularly within community pharmacy practice, to discourage inappropriate dispensing of medicines.

She also expressed concern over the country’s drug distribution system, questioning the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and called for stronger strategic partnerships among government agencies such as NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to improve compliance, surveillance, and enforcement.

According to her, drug abuse represents a deeper social crisis affecting young people, families, and communities, requiring an inclusive, multi-sectoral approach rather than isolated interventions.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman BOF Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Amibor noted that university campuses which were once citadels of learning and character, are under serious threat due to rising cases of drug and substance abuse among  students. Amibor observed that this has led to addiction, mental health challenges, poor academic performance, violence, and sadly, lost destinies.

He said, This problem affects all of us. As pharmacists and custodians of medicines, and as the Board of Fellows of PSN, we have a duty to speak up and act. Silence is Complicity. That is why the Board of Fellows, through the Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, has convened this engagement”.

He explained that the webinar was designed  to raise awareness on the causes and dangers of substance abuse on campus, equip students, parents, and institutions with strategies for prevention, early detection, and support and chart a way forward by fostering collaboration and developing actionable recommendations for drug-free campuses.

“We are not here just to talk. We are here to take action.  We expect that after today, every participant will become an advocate in their school, community, and home. We expect stronger policies, better counseling, and a united front to protect our young people”, he added.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Prof. Mohammed Garba Magaji of Ahmadu Bello University noted that many universities are now adopting preventive and rehabilitative measures instead of relying solely on punitive actions. He advocated the establishment of Drug and Substance Abuse Counselling Committees in every university, domiciled in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, to coordinate prevention, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes.

Also contributing, Prof. Michael Ubaka, former Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare in Imo State, emphasised that government alone cannot effectively combat drug abuse. He called for sustained public awareness campaigns, active surveillance, and continuous monitoring involving all stakeholders.

Student leaders also contributed to the discussion, stressing the importance of parental guidance, moral upbringing, and greater student involvement in anti-drug campaigns. They identified peer pressure and the influence of social media as major factors driving substance abuse among undergraduates and urged universities to actively engage students in developing and implementing preventive strategies.

Responding to questions from the moderator, the National President of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) observed that possessing knowledge about drugs does not necessarily prevent substance abuse. He noted that even pharmacy students, despite their professional training, sometimes misuse drugs, particularly during examination periods, underscoring the complexity of the challenge.

Participants unanimously called for stronger policies, improved counselling services, enhanced collaboration among regulatory agencies, educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, and student bodies to effectively address the menace.

The webinar concluded with a renewed commitment to building a drug-free society through sustained advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and collective action.

Speakers also referenced global statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that approximately 64 million people worldwide—about one in every 81 individuals—experience drug-related disorders, reinforcing the urgency for coordinated efforts to address the growing public health challenge.