The MTN Foundation and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have trained 30 teachers from 10 secondary schools in Kaduna State on a school-based drug prevention programme targeted at students aged 10 to 15, to combat the drug menace in schools.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the training exercise, UNODC lead trainer, Elizabeth Atuman, said the initiative is part of a wider plan to “catch them young” before they get exposed to harmful substances that destroy lives and communities.

“This programme is not about treatment. It is about prevention—stopping children from going into drugs in the first place. We want to equip them with the life skills to say no to drugs,” Atuman said.

According to her, the programme, which began in Nigeria in 2015 with Federal Government Colleges, has since been expanded to state schools with the support of stakeholders such as the MTN Foundation.

Atuman disclosed that the prevention package consists of a 12-lesson curriculum designed to be taught within the classroom, focusing on skills such as communication, assertiveness, teamwork, and confidence-building.

“The lessons are packed full of life skills. We want students to learn how to resist peer pressure, communicate better, work in teams, and build self-confidence. These are life skills they will carry with them into adulthood,” she said.

She noted that the programme exposes students to the dangers of smoking, alcohol, cannabis, and other substances, helping them understand the health and social consequences of drug use.

“Some children say things like, ‘My grandfather has been smoking since before I was born.’ But the truth is, smoking reduces lifespan. The curriculum breaks down the science so children understand the risks,” she added.

Atuman revealed that Kaduna State has now adopted the programme, with the government focusing on Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students.

“The Kaduna State Drug Abuse Control Agency DG made it clear yesterday that every child passes through JSS3. That’s why the program is targeting this class,” she said.

Previously, the curriculum was implemented in Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) classes, but the state government now believes that younger children should be reached earlier, before bad habits form.

For the ongoing training, 30 teachers drawn from 10 secondary schools across the state are participating.

Atuman explained that this set of teachers would be expected to return to their schools to implement the curriculum.
“We have trained more than 30 teachers in the past. This time, MTN Foundation is sponsoring the training, and the 30 teachers here will step down the lessons in their schools.”

She praised the Kaduna State government for supporting the initiative, noting that the programme had previously relied on federal funding before MTN Foundation stepped in to expand its reach.

“I’m glad to hear Kaduna State is really taking up this mantle to fight drug abuse. They have several programs running now, and with partners like MTN Foundation and UNODC, we believe we can save more children before it’s too late,” she added.

Atuman also lamented the rising cases of substance abuse among secondary school students, warning that the trend threatens education, families, and the wider society.

“There are so many challenges,” she said, shaking her head. “A child as young as 12, 13, or 14 is engaging in things you can’t even name. Some of them mix substances whose names we don’t even know.”