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- inaugurate committee to undertake task
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, has launched a nationwide campaign that would, expectedly, tackle the rising cases of social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
It, thus, inaugurated a committee led by Maj-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure (Rtd), the former Director General of National Youths Service Corp (NYSC), that would undertake the task.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, on Thursday, said the committee was birthed at the right time considering the increasing abuse of social media and multiplicity of information.
He said: “The negative influence of these information, as well as peer pressure have had exponential consequences to our societal values and national peace.
“There has been an increase in the cases of indiscipline in our institutions, lately, and we are all concerned on how to confront the ugly phenomenon. Government will not relent in its efforts in striving to reposition the education sector in Nigeria.
“However, plans and efforts would be a mirage if the menace of social vices in our tertiary institutions is not curtailed. We have a duty to confront the monster of social vices in our tertiary institutions, and this committee will be strategic in addressing these concerns.”
The Minister said the committee has a duty to adopt comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat social vices among Nigerian students; in addition to raising awareness, promoting positive values and providing support to students; and foster a generation of ethical, responsible and successful young Nigerians.”
He noted that their appointment was based on track record, urging them to bring in their experience and competence to bear on the assignment. “The task before you is enormous. It entails devising a new strategy to the approach in the campaign, and collaborating with local and foreign partners for support.
Comrade Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, in his remarks, acknowledged the growing presence of social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty, in the tertiary institutions which, he said, has threatened the general well-being and academic success of students.
“These vices cast a shadow over the vibrant environment of our educational institutions and hinder the development of our future leaders. With unwavering dedication and collaboration, we can create a future where Nigerian students thrive, academically and otherwise”.
He assured students that the committee will serve their interest, and encouraged them to engage with their initiatives. “Seek help if you struggle with addiction or face negative influences. Remember, a brighter future awaits you, and you hold the power to shape it.
“Let’s us work together to eradicate social vices from our institutions. Let us foster a culture of academic integrity, respect, and personal responsibility.”
Chairman of the Committee, Maj-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, in her remarks, admitted that social vices present great concern to parents, government and non-governmental organizations, and pledged to lead the committee with honesty and transparency in the task ahead.
“We must acknowledge the complexity of these issues and engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, notably, students, university community among others. We would work hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners for collective expertise and resources, while addressing immediate concerns.
“We would prioritize preventive measures through awareness campaigns, life skills training, and access to relevant support services. Similarly, we believe that students are not just passive recipients of solutions, but active agents of change, hence we would engage them in the design and implementation of our initiatives, thus fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
“But going forward, we shall propose the installation of CCTV cameras in all secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Nigeria; mandatory drug test for undergraduate students; amnesty to repentant cultists and yahoo boys, among other innovations.”
