Curbing The Menace of Substance Abuse in Tertiary Institutions: Bayelsa State Peace Architecture Takes Campaign to Federal University Otuoke
The Management of Federal University Otuoke (FUO) has announced that all prospective students for the 2025/2026 academic session will undergo compulsory drug testing prior to matriculation, with similar screening required before graduation.
This resolution was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Adias, during an advocacy visit by members of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) to the institution in Otuoke.
The sensitisation campaign, aimed at tackling the rising menace of drug abuse among youths, especially in tertiary institutions, was organised to engage students and interact with university stakeholders. The initiative aligns with SPA’s overarching objective of reducing drug use and creating a framework for sustainable peace across Bayelsa State, especially through the proposed establishment of the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission.
During the visit, the SPA team engaged the student body directly, highlighting the dangers of substance abuse and its implications on peace and societal stability. At the university, the team was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Chris Onyema, who represented the Vice Chancellor. Other members of the management team, including the Bursar, senior staff, and leaders of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), also participated in the session.
Speaking on behalf of SPA, its Secretary, Dr Inebaraton Preye, outlined the significance of the campaign:
“Rising from the persistent recurrence of drug abuse as a precursor to crime — as observed during our monthly SPA meetings from December 2024 to June 2025 — the situation has become deeply alarming. The trend is not only prevalent among youths in tertiary institutions but is now extending to primary school pupils and basic education students.
The nexus between substance abuse and crime cannot be overemphasized, as drug users often become willing tools for violence and societal disruption. This is why we are calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in curbing this menace.
We believe that catching them young and encouraging parents and guardians to monitor their wards can help change the narrative. Accordingly, we support the resolution that students should undergo drug testing before matriculation and prior to final year project defense.”
Responding, Professor Chris Onyema, on behalf of the FUO Management, applauded SPA’s dedication to peacebuilding through volunteer efforts. He assured the visiting team that the university would implement the drug-testing policy beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session. He further expressed the institution’s willingness to partner with SPA in the campaign for sustainable peace, including the establishment of the proposed Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission.
The SPA delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Dean of Student Affairs, represented by Deputy Dean, Dr Gilbert Ligho, as well as the leadership of the Students’ Union Government led by President Zolo Tolozikizibe. The campaign extended to lecture halls, faculty buildings, and campus streets, where students were sensitized with placards, banners, T-shirts, and flyers bearing anti-drug messages.
The Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on fostering inclusive community security frameworks to address systemic drivers of violence and criminality. Its approach incorporates a broad coalition of volunteer peace agents drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Correctional Service, Immigration, NDLEA, FRSC, Safety Corps, the Media, NOA, Human Rights Commission, faith-based organisations (FBOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), NGOs, and others, all under the coordination of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Community Development.
SPA operates using a ‘bottom-up’ strategy and adopts the Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanism to promote sustainable peace and preempt violent conflict.
#BayelsaSPA
#BetterNigerDelta
#SearchForCommonGround
#EuropeanUnion
About Author
