Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has admonished students of the institution to steer clear of drug abuse and embrace purposeful living.
Prof. Egbewole made this call recently at a sensitisation lecture, themed “Embracing Positive Lifestyle and Learning from the Failures of Others”, organised by the Counselling and Human Development Centre at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the Centre for sustaining its mandate of promoting student wellbeing, reiterating that indulgence in drug use often leads to regret and wasted potentials.
He also reminded students that the University’s reputation must not be brought to disrepute, noting that students caught abusing drugs whether on or off campus may face expulsion. He added that university life is not about unhealthy friendships but meaningful academic pursuit.
In her remarks, the Director of the University of Ilorin Counselling and Human Development Centre (UCHDC), Dr Foluke N. Bolu-Steve, reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse as she urged students to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and responsibility.
Dr Bolu-Steve stressed that drug abuse not only ruins academic potentials but also poses serious threats to mental and physical health.
The Director encouraged students facing personal or emotional challenges to seek help through the Centre rather than resorting to drugs.
In his presentation, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, University of Ilorin, Dr. Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of students in drug use, describing the trend as disheartening and dangerous.
Dr Akanmu applauded the Counselling Centre for organising the programme, noting that many students are unaware of the real reason they are in the University. He warned that drug abuse among students could lead to lifelong negative consequences, including mental health challenges and expulsion.
According to Dr Akanmu, who is the Chairman of the University’s Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the management has observed disturbing trends such as the abuse of substances including dried pawpaw leaves, burnt tyres, cannabis, mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks, and even stored urine.
He, therefore, advised students to avoid the negative influence of peer group and be deliberate in their lifestyle choices. He added that there are no friends in the University; everyone is a colleague.
The Dean appealed for student cooperation in eradicating drug abuse on campus and encouraged them to learn from the mistakes of others.
The Kwara State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Fatima Popoola, in her presentation, advised students to make good use of the University Counselling Centre and avoid drugs.
Mrs Popoola underscored the dangers of underestimating drug influence, warning students never to assume that someone close to them is not engaged in negative behaviours. She stressed the importance of early intervention and counselling to curb the growing menace of substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss commended the University of Ilorin on its proactive stance and collaborative efforts in fighting drug abuse. She urged students to make wise decisions, resist bad influences, and report suspicious activities.
