Nigerian students are quietly falling prey to substances like tramadol, codeine-based syrups, valium, and rohypnol
It was a morning like any other in a Lagos secondary school, but inside one classroom, 15-year-old Desola Jenkins jumped on her desk, screaming and clutching her head. The night before, she had taken a mix of coffee and cough syrup to stay awake and study. Fortunately, with the timely help of some teachers who rushed her to a nearby clinic, she survived. However, the fear in her eyes tells a story that is becoming all too common in Nigerian schools. A story of drug abuse, lost opportunities, and stolen futures.
Across the country, from Gwagwalada in Abuja to Gbagi in Ibadan, students are quietly falling prey to substances like tramadol, codeine-based syrups, valium, and Rohypnol. Even younger pupils have been found experimenting with cigarettes, sniffing adhesives, and inhaling petrol fumes. Mental health experts warn that these substances, while cheap and readily available, are slowly destroying the minds and bodies of Nigeria’s children.
Health experts like Patrick Ndukwe say the problem is now nationwide. “Before, Nigeria was considered only a transit country for drugs. Today, our youths are users, and the consequences are alarming,” he said. Parents and teachers agree. Commenting on the menace, Mrs Jane Ogwu, a mother of three, says curiosity, peer pressure, and lack of parental guidance are primary triggers, while public analyst James Ijeawere adds that poverty, broken homes, and unemployment worsen the situation.
The impact is clear: poor academic performance, school dropouts, violent behaviour, and mental health issues. Some students have even ended up in psychiatric hospitals, while others roam the streets, victims of addiction.
In a bid to tackle the menace, the Federal Government recently unveiled a national drug and substance abuse policy for secondary schools. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who recently explained the policy’s objectives to stakeholders, said it focuses on prevention, counselling, rehabilitation, and disciplinary measures for repeat offenders. According to the Minister, schools will now integrate drug education into lessons, and partnerships with parents, health agencies, and law enforcement will strengthen early intervention.
State governments, backed by the federal government, will lead implementation. Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olorungbebe, said authorities are ready to include the plan in the 2025 budget. UNESCO and UNICEF have also been commended for supporting teacher training and child protection programmes.
Experts say the fight is not over; a lot still needs to be done to make the policy a success. For example, counsellors need adequate training, funds must be provided, and parents must be part of the long-term solution. These measures may be the lifeline that prevents students from slipping deeper into addiction.
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