University Don charges women to refrain from drug abuse

A University Don, Maryam Mansur Yola has charged women to refrain from substance abuse and take up their responsibilities as parents for the benefit of their children and the society at large.

Yola, an Associate Professor with the Nigerian Languages Department, Bayero University Kano (BUK) made the call on Tuesday at a one-day symposium organized by the Society for Peace Development and Education in collaboration with the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Kano.

SOLACEBASE reports that the theme of the Symposium: “The Menace of Drug Abuse and the Way Forward” was aimed at enlightening the youth on the dangers of substance abuse and ways to avoid it.

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According to Yola, the issue is so rampant in Kano communities adding that, the program served as a starting point in curtailing the act in the communities.

“Our religion and culture are interrelated and both the religion and culture emphasized that we should not be intoxicated because intoxication leads to forty days of prayers not been answered. So it discourages us from taking hard drugs.”

While recalling her experience during her research on female drug abuse, she said lack of education leads women into doing so many bad things including drug abuse.

“When I conducted my research on female drug abuse, I found out that most of the women who take drugs in marital homes are not educated. Education eradicates a few things in society and it makes one look responsible and attractive. Education teaches you a lot of things and manners.”

“You can imagine a woman that is not educated, quarreling with her husband can be easily influenced by a friend or a peer group influence”’

In a remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Makaman Bichi, Dr Isyaku Umar Tofa said the rate at which the abuse of drugs is prevalent in the society, is worrisome.

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He stressed that all stakeholders especially, parents, must ensure they follow up on the activities of their children as well as uphold the responsibilities bestowed upon them.

On his part, the Deputy Provost, Federal College of Education, Dr. Dauda Saidu, lauded the program and described it as timely.

“The program has enlightened us a lot as all the presenters drew our attention to the effect of drug abuse including its social, psychological and mental effects of drug abuse to our youth. We are also very enlighten on what we should do to avoid that trend.”

Mr. Jibril Ibrahim, a senior personnel of, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) highlighted how drug abuse is prevalent among students in tertiary and secondary schools.

He noted that, in every ten students, five to six of them are drug users.

“In every 10 students, 5 to 6 of them are drug users, at least they tested one or two hard drugs even though they may not been dependent on it but they are users.”

According to Jibril, the way forward is for school management to implement some strict laws and ensure punishment of any student caught taking drugs.