Campus News

Egbewole warns Unilorites against drug abuse, fraud

By Bashirat Omotosho

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has warned students of the University against involvement in drug abuse, internet fraud, and other social vices, describing the vices as threats to the nation’s future.

Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, made the call at the 2025 Practicum Outreach Programme of the Department of Counselor Education last Wednesday (May 28, 2025) at the University Auditorium.

Prof. Egbewole described the event’s theme, “The Menace of Internet Fraud: Dangers and Other Social Vices (Drugs),” as both timely and nationally significant.

He commended the final year students of the Department for initiating the event and educating their peers and secondary school students on the consequences of social vices that are undermining the moral and academic foundations of the society.

The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities(AWAU), stressed the need for early intervention, sustained counselling, and continuous sensitisation within academic environments, adding that the University of Ilorin remains committed to raising morally upright and intellectually sound graduates.

The Guest Speaker, Mrs Fatima Popoola, the  Commandant of the Kwara State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who was represented by her Deputy, Mr Kenneth Odili, proposed that drug integrity tests be introduced for students as a prerequisite for both admission and graduation, saying that  proactive measures must be taken to combat the rising tide of substance abuse among youths.

She lamented the increasing rate of substance abuse, saying that it is not just serious negative phenomenon but also a destructive epidemic threatening the future of young Nigerians.

Mrs Popoola equally called for increased collaboration among educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and rehabilitation centres.

The Commandant commended the  University of Ilorin on its commitment to organising awareness programmes as she  encouraged sustained partnerships to effectively address the issue.

            In his presentation, Mr Chinedu Ozuga of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dissected the dangers and consequences of internet fraud. He explained that involvement in online scams not only ruins lives but also damages the country’s international reputations and economic trustworthiness.

Mr Ozuga revealed that the EFCC is heightening its surveillance on campuses nationwide, stressing that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense. He urged students to embrace hard work and integrity and to support anti-corruption initiatives.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, described the outreach as a thoughtful response to a challenging contemporary societal issue.

Prof. Yahaya encouraged students of the department to embrace their training seriously, emphasising that guidance and counselling professionals have a critical role to play in shaping the moral direction of the society.

On his part, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, advised students to be good ambassadors of the University. He warned against the dangers of peer pressure and unhealthy curiosity, which often lead to criminal behaviours and drug abuse.

Dr Akanmu also emphasised the value of peer mentoring and stronger student support systems to promote positive choices.

Dr  Samuel Kolawole Ajiboye of the Department of Counsellor Education provided insights into the psychological underpinnings of deviant behavior. He highlighted the pivotal role of counsellors in helping individuals to uncover the root causes of their actions and supporting their journey to rehabilitation.

Using real-life case studies, he demonstrated how empathy and professional counselling had transformed the lives of former internet fraudsters and drug users. He urged universities to invest more in student counselling services and improve referral systems to mental health institutions.

The Programme Coordinator, Dr David Adebayo, explained that the invitation of students from seven secondary schools was a strategic move to “catch them young” by exposing them early to the dangers of drugs and crime. He applauded the Department’s final-year students for organising a socially relevant programme and charged the younger participants to be agents of change in their schools and communities.

A major highlight of the event was a short drama that vividly illustrated the dangers of drug abuse.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaye; the Director of Counselling Services and Human Development Centre, Dr Bolu-Steve; the Student Union President, Mr Victor O. Agezeh; staff and students of the Department as well as secondary school teachers and students, among others.