Introduce Addiction Science In Tertiary Institutions – Stakeholders

By Florence Adewale

The need to introduce Addiction studies in higher institutions to meet current and future challenges attributable to substance use and related disorders in the Country has been advocated.

A Keynote Speaker, Professor Moses Audu made the call at a National Conference on Substance use Prevention and Treatment in Abuja.

Professor Audu who noted that addiction was not only related to substance intake explained that Addiction Science is a specialty that deals with addictive behaviours like Drugs, Sex, Gambling and Internet use.

According to Audu there is need to train professionals in higher institutions of learning on programmes that would provide students with the knowledge, attitude, skills and competencies to initiate, develop and oversee evidence-based programmes for substance use disorders and related conditions in Nigeria, as well as to critically evaluate local and international research on substance disorders and addiction related conditions.”

He called for collaborative efforts to tackle the menace stressing that addicts if not properly managed pose a threat to the peace and security of the society.

Also speaking at the occasion a representative of the UNDOC Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga said Nigeria alone constituted 7.7% to global disorders as a result of drug abuse therefore the need for academicians to provide an evident base solution to address the problem.

In his contribution, the Executive Secretary National Universities Commission, Mr. Chris Maiyaki who was represented by Mrs. Rita Okonjo said the commission has introduced a Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards, CCMAS, to replace the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards, BMAS,  to ensure that the curriculum reflects local and international innovation to meet present realities in the society.

In an address, the Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Rtd Brigadier General, Buba Marwa said the Agency would continue to collaborate with organisations or individuals willing to support the agency in its anti-drug campaign to win the war against drug abuse in Nigeria.

Marwa said the agency had implemented the school based implementation programme while appealing to governors that have no state drug control committees as a matter of urgency to establish it to complement government’s effort to fight the menace as this remains the major help to people indulging in various social vices that poses threats to the peace and security of the society.

Earlier, the convener of the conference, Dr. Martin Agwogie while speaking on the theme of the conference said it was time for Nigeria to rise up and introduce addiction science courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Edited By Grace Namiji