University Don Decries Drug Abuse among Teenagers

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A university lecturer, Professor Florence Adeoti Yusuf, has decried drug abuse and misuse of drugs among adolescents in the country.

Speaking during a campaign organised by the College of Education of the Osun State University, Professor Yusuf, who is also the Provost of the College of Education Uniosun, described drug abuse as the excessive, maladaptive and addictive use of a drug for purposes other than those for which it was intended.

She emphasised the concept of addiction, characterised by a compulsive need for drugs despite negative consequences.

The don warned about the susceptibility of teenagers due to various factors, including peer pressure, the desire for acceptance, and coping mechanisms for stress or mental health issues.

Yusuf further called on teachers, government and non-governmental organisations to encourage and reward positive behaviour as alternatives to drug use among youths in the country.

The campaign team (students, faculty members, and officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)), which was led by Professor Yusuf, visited Taiyelolu Memorial College in Ipetu Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

In his remarks, Dr. Peter Sanjo Adewale encouraged participants to ‘Act Right’ and ‘Say No’ to drug abuse wherever they find themselves, regardless of the pressure coming from their peers.

According to him, “The slogan ‘Act Right and Say No’ was chanted several times by the participants and was finally adopted as the campaign’s slogan.”

Equally, in his admonition, Dr. Shogbesan Yusuf emphasised the need for students to form a club to be named ‘Say No to Drug’.

The team members of the campaign team are lecturers from Osun State University, College of Education.

They are Drs. Shogbesan Yusuf, Imran Adesile, Nasrudeen Malik,  Ganiyu Iroko, Uchenna Okeke, Timothy Eebo, Peter Adewale,Opeyemi Olofinsawo, Romoke Edu Ogunlana and Mr.Olayiwola Makinde, Mr.Suleiman Ibrahim and Gbenga Ologbenla.

During the campaign, the UniOsun (Ipetu-Ijesa) drama troop led by Dr. Opeyemi Olajumoke Olofinsawo staged a drama titled ‘The Evil Effect of Drug Abuse’.

The NDLEA Ilesa Area Commander, Mr. Ayegbusi Raphael Abiodun, also outlined various substances categorised as drugs that are frequently abused by youths. He warned the participants of the dangers of drug abuse, ranging from mental health problems to physical health issues.