SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONGST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SOME SELECTED DEPARTMENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to ascertain substance abuse amongst undergraduate students in some selected departments in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Four (4) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of all the librarians in John Harris Library, University of Benin, Benin City with a total population of 9 academic librarians and 171 non-academic librarians The study's population comprised of students from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Physical Sciences at the University of Benin, Edo State. A total of 150 respondents was included in this study, consisting of students from the University of Benin in the aforementioned faculties. The study employs a simple random sampling method to select the sample. The research instrument for the study was a Questionnaire which was distributed to the respondents and collected immediately after completion from respondents. The simple percentage and mean score was used in computing the responses of the questionnaire items. The study conducted among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in Nigeria revealed a significant awareness of substance abuse, with alcohol, marijuana, and codeine being the most commonly abused substances. The findings also highlighted the need for increased awareness campaigns, workshops, and counseling services to address substance abuse issues among students and mitigate its adverse effects on their health and academic performance. The researcher recommended that universities in Nigeria should implement regular substance abuse awareness programs, workshops, and counseling services to educate students about the risks associated with drug abuse and provide support for those struggling with addiction. Additionally, university health centers should conduct periodic health assessments and drug tests to identify at-risk students and refer them to appropriate counseling and intervention services, while the government should actively support and fund initiatives to combat substance abuse among the youth.