The Managing Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr.Olugbenga Owoeye, during the week charged university students to abstain from drug abuse.

Owoeye, who made the call at an orientation programme for fresh students of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, described the use of drugs as one of the landmines students must avoid to achieve success in their academic endeavours.

He listed several examples of prominent individuals, including a late reggae artist, Majekodunmi Fashakin aka Majek Fashek, who fell by the wayside due to their obsession with drugs.

Majek Fashek was a household name in the late 90s and the early days of the millennium with his hit single “Send Down The Rain.”

He also quoted statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to drive home his point on the danger of drug abuse.

“At least 56 percent of the world’s population are into drug abuse globally. In Nigeria, the drug prevalence rate is 14.4 percent.

“The South-West has the highest prevalence rate at 22 percent in Nigeria. In the South-West, Lagos has the highest rate at 33 percent,” he stated.

To check drug abuse on campus, the medical psychologist urged the university authorities to encourage sporting activities among the students.

He also urged the management to form a club against drug abuse to fight the menace.

In his opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, congratulated the students on gaining admission into the institution.

He charged them to make hardwork and discipline their watchword throughout their stay on campus.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA), Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, counseled the fresh students to find a balance between their academic work and faith belief to achieve success in their aspirations.

Other speakers at the two-day programme were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Sunday Adewale, the University Registrar, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, Mr. Adesina Abubakre, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Adetayo Olorunlana, Dean, College of Environmental and Management Sciences (COLENSMA), Prof. Oluwole Alagbe, the Head of the University Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit, Mr. Adesola-zion Oluwaseun, representatives of the University Medical Centre, Student Affairs Unit, Caleb Ventures and a drug counselor and therapist, Mrs. Ayodeji Oni.