Presidency Targets 10 Million Students in Nationwide Campaign Against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Cybercrime

The Presidential Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions has unveiled plans to reach more than 10 million students nationwide through a massive advocacy campaign aimed at tackling cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and other social vices in schools.

Director of Media and Publicity of the committee, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu, disclosed this while outlining the objectives of the initiative, which he described as a critical national intervention to address the growing moral and social challenges confronting young Nigerians.

According to Nwachukwu, the campaign is designed to curb destructive behaviours that continue to threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system and undermine national development.

He said the advocacy programme enjoys the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and follows high-level engagements involving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Comr. Sunday Asefon, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Nwachukwu said Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the Presidency’s support for the initiative, describing the committee’s mandate as vital to the country’s future and reflective of the government’s commitment to the moral wellbeing of Nigerian youths.

The campaign will focus on addressing key challenges affecting students, including cybercrime, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cultism, bullying, sexual violence, corruption and other forms of social misconduct.

“The target of this campaign is ambitious but achievable. We intend to directly and indirectly reach over 10 million students across the country through sensitisation programmes, media engagements, school outreach activities, stakeholder partnerships and community-based advocacy initiatives,” Nwachukwu said.

He explained that the committee would work closely with educational institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, student associations, civil society organisations, youth groups, security agencies and development partners to ensure the success of the campaign.

“The fight against social vices cannot be left to government alone. It requires a collective national response. We are mobilising all relevant stakeholders to join hands in building a generation of responsible, disciplined and patriotic young Nigerians,” he added.

Nwachukwu further disclosed that both traditional and digital media platforms would be deployed to promote values such as integrity, hard work, respect for the rule of law and responsible citizenship among students.

He also called on corporate organisations, philanthropic foundations, international development agencies and other stakeholders to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships and advocacy efforts.

“The future of our nation is at stake. The target is clear: 10 million students across secondary schools and tertiary institutions in every state and the Federal Capital Territory. We will deploy innovative strategies, traditional media, digital platforms, community engagements and direct school outreaches to ensure no student is left behind,” he said.

The committee expressed optimism that the campaign would contribute significantly to reducing anti-social behaviour in schools while promoting character development and national values among Nigerian youths.