Tinubu aide begins anti-vice campaign in schools

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Students’ Engagement, Sunday Asefon, has commenced an anti-social vices campaign in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Asefon in a statement, on Monday, explained that the campaign is targeted at re-orientation of students in tertiary institutions with the view to building a future generation of leaders.

He said that a special committee that would help to address the growing concerns of social vices plaguing tertiary institutions across Nigeria has been inaugurated.

He disclosed that membership of the committee were drawn from various stakeholders, renowned educationists, students’ activists, patriotic leaders, among others, while the former Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General SZ Kazaure (retd), serves as Chairman of the Committee.

He said: “The committee is expected to develop and implement comprehensive awareness campaigns, educate students about the dangers of social vices and promote positive values, collaborate with tertiary institutions’ administrators to strengthen security measures and implement stricter disciplinary codes, while providing support and rehabilitation services to students struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or the aftermath of victimisation.

“Drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, academic dishonesty, among others, are some of the social vices which does not only hinder academic performance and personal development, but also threaten the overall safety and well-being of students, thereby, casting a shadow over the vibrant environment of Nigerian tertiary institutions.”

Asefon said the approach underscored a significant commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to safeguard the future of Nigerian students and the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach in tackling the menace of social vices in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

“It was also hinged on the continued commitment of the government, unwavering support from stakeholders, and active participation from students themselves. Only through such collective effort can a brighter future be secured for Nigeria’s future generation of leaders,” he noted.