Nigerian Universities To Offer Addiction Studies

• Nigerian Universities to offer addiction studies
• The Niger Delta University and UNIZIK have included Addiction Studies in their curriculum
• Secondary school teachers and counselors in various parts of Nigeria have undergone training to reduce the level of drug abuse among students in the country

Two Universities in Nigeria are set to offer courses in Addiction Studies, substance use prevention, treatment, and policy standard as an international course.

The development was disclosed by the  Country Chapter President of the International Society of Substances Use Professionals (ISSUP, Nigeria), Dr. Martin O. Agwogie, at its 4th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Agwogie revealed that the two institutions were Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State (UNIZIK) and the Niger Delta University (NDU).

The president said that the development was part of the association’s commitment towards the promotion of evidence-based substance use prevention, treatment, recovery and contributing to drug policy development in Nigeria.

He further disclosed that the inclusion of the course into the Nigerian educational system is crucial at this time because the practice of drug abuse is continually increasing in the country and such an act is dangerous going by statistics from relevant bodies.

He said: “Within the past 12 months, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter consolidated on achievements of the previous years. One of which was the introduction of addiction studies in our universities.

“In my welcome address at the formal inauguration of the association in 2019, I stated that ‘we are in collaboration with relevant stakeholders towards the introduction of substance use prevention, treatment and policy as a standard international course of study in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.

“Just within three years of this declaration, I am pleased to announce that two universities in Nigeria have approved post graduate courses in addiction studies and one of which is the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State.”

While calling on relevant agencies and stakeholders in the educational system to synergize with the association, the resident further said that efforts are ongoing to ensure that other Nigerian universities embrace the course.

The development was in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ministry of Health, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.

Similarly, secondary school teachers and counselors in various parts of Nigeria have undergone training to reduce the level of drug abuse among students in the country.