Funmilola Aduke Akinola

Keywords: Drug abuse, undergraduate students, security, peer influence, academic performance.

Abstract

Drug abuse among undergraduates is a growing concern in Nigerian universities, with implications for health, academic performance, social
wellbeing and crime. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and
predictors of drug abuse among students at Federal University Gashua. A cross‑sectional survey of 200 undergraduates was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 50% of respondents reported
drug use, with alcohol (45%) and cannabis (22%) being the most commonly abused substances. Male students reported higher prevalence
(64%) compared to females (36%), though female daily use was also observed. Drug use increased across academic years, peaking in 300Level, and was strongly associated with peer influence leading to gambling and disobedience to constituted authority. Awareness of anti‑drug campaigns through posters and lectures was linked to reduced likelihood of use, though some students aware of such campaigns still reported high levels of abuse. Drug use was also associated with moderate to severe negative impacts on academic performance. The study concludes that drug abuse among undergraduates at Federal University Gashua is prevalent and multifactorial, shaped by demographic, social, and academic factors. It recommends strengthening preventive campaign, introducing early interventions, implementing peer‑led initiatives, and adopting gender‑inclusive strategies. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on student drug abuse and provide actionable insights for university administrators, policymakers, and health educator.

Author Biography

Funmilola Aduke Akinola

Department of Sociology, Federal University Gashua, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

View PDF