IMPACT OF DRUG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON UNIVERSITY OF BENIN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the impact of drug awareness campaign on University of Benin undergraduate student academic performance. Three research questions were raised. The survey research design was employed in the study. The study population was five thousand and fifty two (5052) 400 level students from five (5) faculties in the University of Benin for 2021/2023 academic session. The sample size comprised of two hundred (200) respondents. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was distributed to the respondents. The instrument was retrieved and analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. From the results of the data analysed, the study had revealed that there was high prevalence of drug abuse among undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The study also shown that peer pressure, stress and academic pressure, availability and accessibility of drugs on or around campus, personal problems and emotional issues among others were the factors that contribute to drug abuse among undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The study further revealed that effective drug awareness campaign is an essential tool in creating awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Based on these findings it was recommended that Management of University of Benin should tailor drug awareness campaign messages to resonate with the concerns and interests of undergraduate students. Also faculties and department should endeavor to organize workshops, seminars, or panel discussions where students can actively participate and ask questions on the negative consequence of drug awareness campaign.