The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. [Mrs] Chinedum Peace Babalola has espoused for the introduction of drug and drug use in the general studies curriculum of higher institutions across the country.
Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola moving out for her presentation
Prof. Babalola made this statement at the 8th International Symposium of Centre for Human Security & Dialogue, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in partnership with Global Commission on Drug Policy organized to celebrate former president Olusegun Obasanjo 81st birthday (Baba of Africa) held at the International Conference Centre of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
While speaking on the theme of the programme ';';Drug Policies in Africa: What Works';'; the erudite Professor stated that for menace of drug abuse and illicit drugs to be effectively curbed in Nigeria and Africa at large, there is need for drug and drug use to be included in the general studies curriculum of higher institutions. According to Prof. Chinedum, this will enable the school to teach the students what drug is and to ensure that they are discouraged from taking illicit drugs.
Prof Peace Chinedum Babalola during her presentation
Prof. Peace went further to suggest that the youths should be encouraged to have clubs like ';';students against drug abuse';'; called on government at all levels to provide adequate equipment for tertiary institutions that could be used to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse and illicit drug as against the current practice which is often the rustication of students caught in the act.
';';Drugs in our universities will lead to crime, cultism. So how do we tamper with our laws in the university to make sure we do not send our youths away to continue in drugs outside the university but to help rehabilitate them within the University environment? We do not have these facilities in the universities and we might need the help of other facilities. Again, I suggest that we include drug and drug use into our general studies curriculum so that we can educate them on those drugs and why they must not use those drugs. Finally, we can encourage our youths to have clubs “Students against drug abuse'.
CHSD hosts 8th International Symposium on Drug Education
In an effort to curtailing the menace of drug abuse and the worrisome intake of illicit drugs in Nigeria and Africa in general, the Centre for Human Security and Dialogue, CHSD of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in partnership with Global Commission on Drug Policy have organized the 8th International Symposium on drug education.
The event which was held at the International Conference Centre of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library had as the theme ';';Drug Policies in Africa: What Works'.
The keynote speaker and the former President of Switzerland, Her Excellency Ruth Dreifuss stated that for drug abuse and intake of illicit drug to be curtailed in Nigeria and Africa at large, a holistic approach must be taken by the government and stakeholders. The chairperson of the Global Commission on Drug Policy further noted that those involved in the act should not be treated as criminals as that will further damage their sense of integration into the society.
Other guest speakers at the event including Ambassador Dr. Mary Khimulu from Kenya all agreed that for the government to adequately reduce rate of drug abuse and intake of illicit drugs in Africa, criminalisation of the offenders should not be seen as an option rather they should be decriminalised and made to go through rehabilitation at the various rehabilitation centres.
Also, they called on the government to ensure the establishment of more rehabilitation centres to accommodate those that were caught in the act because according to them, sending them to prison is not the best solution as some of the prisons in Africa witness mass inflow of drugs to prison inmates.
The event also featured inter university panel discussion as well as intercollegiate panel discussion where it was agreed that decriminalisation approach should be adopted by the government in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drugs. Also, the participating students called on parents to always monitor the activities of their children especially the friends they keep as it is a deciding factor.
The highpoints of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation to participants that cut across universities and secondary schools as well as the cutting of the 81st birthday cake of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Baba of Africa), former president of Switzerland, Ruth Dreifuss, and Guest Speakers from Ghana, Kenya and Burundi, Vice Chancellors of Universities, students of universities including Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and other dignitaries were at the event.
