The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State recently took decisive action against drug abuse on campus, rusticating two students involved in illicit drug dealings a few years ago. The Chairman of the Students Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Martins Adekanmbi, unveiled this information, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to combating the prevalence of drug abuse among its students.
Adekanmbi, while addressing journalists during a sensitization event organized by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), expressed optimism that the campaign would contribute significantly to curbing the menace of drug abuse on campus.
He further revealed that the university’s management had initiated an internal awareness campaign against drug abuse and other forms of misconduct within the institution. According to him, various stakeholders, including the Students Affairs department, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, have been actively involved in sensitizing students about the negative consequences of drug abuse.
“We believe that it is time to do a sensitization concerning this issue of ethics and discipline among the students, which falls under my direct purview,” Adekanmbi stated. “We have been conducting this sensitization since Monday, engaging with students in their hostels from 6 am, educating them about the vices and misconducts to avoid.”
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Adekanmbi emphasized the university’s strict stance on drug abuse, stating that any student found using drugs would face expulsion for one academic session. In addition, they would be required to present a certificate of fitness from a psychiatric hospital upon their return.
Elaborating further, Adekanmbi said, “If a student is found in possession of marijuana, colloquially known as ‘colos,’ or any other illicit substances commonly consumed by young people nowadays, they will be rusticated for a specific period. After that, they must present a certificate of fitness to demonstrate their readiness to reintegrate into the university community.”
Moreover, Adekanmbi warned that any student caught selling drugs would face permanent expulsion from the university. He reiterated the importance of preventing students from jeopardizing their futures and urged them to make responsible choices.
“We had previously expelled two students almost two years ago due to drug-related misconduct, and we have come across several such cases,” Adekanmbi disclosed. “This sensitization program is an important step towards resolving a host of societal problems associated with drug abuse.”
