The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) recently stormed the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) with a far-reaching campaign against drug abuse. The initiative, which took place on the university campus, brought together law enforcement officers, university management, students, and community stakeholders to address the rising threat of substance abuse among young people in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The campaign was part of the PCRC’s continuous effort to promote safer communities and curb the alarming rate of drug misuse, which has been identified as one of the root causes of crime, violence, and poor academic performance across the nation.
Background: Rising Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths
Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed a growing surge in the abuse of hard drugs and other psychotropic substances, particularly among students in secondary schools and universities. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has consistently highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries with a worrying level of youth involvement in drug use.
For many students, the pressures of academics, peer influence, emotional stress, and the illusion of freedom in university life often lead them into experimenting with substances like marijuana, tramadol, codeine syrup, and other illicit drugs. This trend not only destroys young lives but also threatens the future of the nation.
Recognizing this urgent danger, the PCRC, NDLEA, and the Nigeria Police launched this campaign as a proactive measure to enlighten and engage university students before they fall victim to drug addiction.
The Campaign: Collaboration Between NDLEA, PCRC, and the Police
The anti-drug abuse campaign at UniPort was spearheaded by the Rivers State Chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), led by its Chairman, Voke Emore. The initiative featured educational talks, interactive sessions, and motivational speeches that encouraged students to take a stand against drugs.
The campaign marked the third consecutive year of PCRC’s anti-drug sensitization outreach, which has been extended to major tertiary institutions across Rivers State. The event witnessed active participation from the NDLEA, whose representatives gave students practical advice on how to resist peer pressure and avoid the trap of substance addiction.
The Nigeria Police Force also emphasized the link between drug abuse and criminal behaviour, reiterating that most violent crimes, cult-related incidents, and campus disturbances are often fueled by drug influence.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
During the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, expressed deep appreciation to the visiting teams for choosing UniPort as a key location for their campaign. He described the initiative as a “timely intervention” that aligns with the university’s moral and academic values.
“Our future cannot be built on the abuse of substances. Today we form a formidable coalition against drug abuse. This campaign is a reminder that universities are not only centres of learning but also environments where discipline and character must be nurtured,”
— Professor Owunari Georgewill, Vice-Chancellor, UniPort.
On his part, PCRC Chairman, Voke Emore, reaffirmed the committee’s unwavering commitment to fighting drug abuse, stressing that the campaign would continue until every Nigerian youth becomes an ambassador of positive change.
“We understand the strong correlation between drug abuse and crime. This is why we are taking this message directly to the students — the future leaders of our country. Together, we can create drug-free campuses and safer communities,”
— Voke Emore, PCRC Chairman, Rivers State.
The NDLEA representative at the event also gave a compelling talk, urging students to take full responsibility for their choices while on campus.
“University life gives you freedom, but that freedom must come with responsibility. Nobody monitors your activities here, so it’s up to you to decide whether to say yes or no to drugs,”
— NDLEA Representative.
Highlights of the Event
The campaign featured several impactful activities aimed at engaging students emotionally and intellectually.
- Educational Talks: Experts from NDLEA and the police shared real-life stories about the dangers of drug abuse, rehabilitation experiences, and the effects of drugs on the brain and overall health.
- Drama and Student Participation: Students from various departments performed short plays illustrating the destructive impact of substance abuse and the importance of saying no to peer pressure.
- Q&A Session: Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share personal concerns about drug-related issues on campus.
- Pledges and Commitments: The event concluded with students signing commitment boards, pledging to remain drug-free and to advocate for awareness among their peers.
Key Issues Addressed During the Campaign
- Link Between Drug Abuse and Crime:
Law enforcement officers explained how most criminal acts, from cultism to armed robbery, are often connected to the influence of drugs. - Mental and Physical Health Consequences:
NDLEA officials highlighted the long-term effects of drug use, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, liver damage, and reduced academic productivity. - Peer Pressure and Social Media Influence:
Students were warned about how social media trends and peer pressure can subtly encourage drug use, especially through parties and online challenges. - Rehabilitation and Counselling Services:
Participants were educated on the availability of counselling centres and rehabilitation programs for students struggling with substance use.
UniPort’s Commitment to a Drug-Free Campus
The University of Port Harcourt reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use on campus. The Vice-Chancellor assured that the university would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies like NDLEA, the Police, and the PCRC to sustain the enlightenment drive.
He further encouraged student leaders, hostel wardens, and faculty advisers to take up active roles in ensuring that anti-drug messages reach every corner of the institution.
Why Campaigns Like This Matter
Drug abuse is not just a personal problem — it’s a societal issue that affects security, academic standards, and national productivity. When young people lose focus due to drug influence, the entire nation suffers a setback.
Initiatives like this one at UniPort are vital because they combine education, law enforcement, and community collaboration — the three key pillars needed to effectively tackle drug abuse. It is hoped that the campaign will inspire other universities across Nigeria to replicate similar efforts in their institutions.
