By Milcah Tanimu

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) will host a National Summit on Drug Abuse on August 20, 2024, at the University of Abuja’s Main Campus. This summit aims to address the escalating issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youth and bring together experts from various sectors, including academia, healthcare, and government.

Senator Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Clerk of the Senate at the NANS National Secretariat, highlighted the importance of this summit in tackling the drug abuse crisis, which has serious repercussions for individuals, families, and society. The event follows a recent successful “Walk Against Drug Abuse” organized by NANS, which had a significant impact on raising awareness and reducing drug use among students.

The summit will feature keynote addresses from prominent figures in medicine and public health, including Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, Prof. (Dr.) Adewale Musa-Olomu, and Dr. Hammed Abodunrin. Their contributions will offer critical insights into the causes, effects, and solutions for drug abuse.

Focused on strategies to reduce drug abuse among Nigerian students and the broader youth population, the summit will cover topics such as socio-economic influences, peer pressure, and mental health support. It will also explore preventive measures, rehabilitation programs, and policy recommendations.

NANS is urging all Nigerian students to participate, whether in person or virtually via social media channels, to engage in this crucial discussion. The summit is designed to generate actionable recommendations and foster collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders to effectively combat drug abuse.

Comrade Uthman emphasized the summit as a vital step in the collective effort against drug abuse, aiming to secure a healthier future for Nigeria’s youth.