Microsoft Word - IGWEBUIKE JOURNAL VOL. 5. NO. 2.doc IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 183 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) DRUG ABUSE AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTION Okoye Uche Patrick, PhD Department of Social Sciences, National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi, Edo State Ucheokoye035@gmail.com & Nwaka – Nwandu Okwukwe Department of Social Sciences National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi, Edo State okwukwenwandun@gmail.com Abstract This study examines drug abuse and criminal behavior among undergraduate students of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. Factors such as peer group influence, curiosity and desire tension, for relaxation etc. are found to be some of the factors that influences student to use and abuse drugs. The quantitative method of survey research design and random sampling techniques were used to select 376 study participants. Data obtained were analyzed and presented on frequency tables. Findings from the study reveals among others that; the types and effect of this unhealthy practice on the students as well as the implication of their action, highlighted the need for the government, parents, teachers, counselor and other members of the society to actively get involved in the fight against drug abuse, not only by condemning it but also by living an exemplary life style. Substances such as codeine, cigarettes, alcohol, India hemp and other drugs that are dangerous to the health of the student should not be sold in and around schools, that is the school environment should be a drug free zone because the resultant effects of drug abuse includes cultism, robbery, prostitution, poor academic performance and thuggery in the society. The study among others recommends that; the management of Ambrose Alli University should formulate policies to prevent drug abuse and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug abuse in their children. Pamphlets and badges should be distributed to all faculties and departments on the impact of drug abuse and at the primary prevention level; there is need for proper education of parent on adolescent behaviour. The adolescent themselves should also be educated early enough about the dangers of addiction and Parents on their own side should try to watch their children very closely. By so doing, they can easily detect early warning changes in their character. Introduction Drug abuse is the use of an illicit drug such as heroin, or a licit substance, such as barbiturates, outside of medical supervision (Borgatta and Borgatta, 1992: 516). IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 184 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) The substance is taken to modify or maintain a mood and may be potentially harmful to the person or society. Thousands of years ago, people were using natural substances such as plants and herbs for purposes as diverse as pain relief, healing or to create feelings of wellbeing, energy or relaxation. Many of these substances are now considered to be illegal drugs (Efere, 2005:1). The history of opium (heroin) use goes back thousands of years. As long ago as 5000 BC, the Sumerians were using opium and it even had its own ideogram, Hul Gil, meaning “joy plant”. By the early 1990s, heroin was available worldwide. The drug lords of Colombia and Burma had begun to behave more like independent entrepreneurs and considered possible marketing opportunities for their drugs. They also started to take bold initiatives to expand the markets for their drugs. Importantly, they were able to both produce and export vast amounts of heroin, due to their immense wealth and power and they could make use of established criminal organizations such as the Mafia, who were able to act as brokers for these transactions (Efere, 2005:5). Cannabis (marijuana) comes from the plant ‘hemp’ and is another drug which has been used for thousands of years. The records show that it was probably used around 10, 000 years ago in Central Asia (where the hemp plant comes from). A sweet smelling plant, it was widely used for food, especially the seeds. In addition, hemp could be used to make textiles, so it was a valuable all-round plant (Efere, 2005:6). Today cannabis is the most widely used recreational and (usually) illegal drug in the world. Cocaine is derived from the coca plant, which is native to the high mountain ranges of South America. The stimulating effect of the drug increases breathing and this enabled labourers to work harder, with increased stamina in the thin air at high altitude. It also reduced feelings of hunger, fatigue and promoted a sense of well-being. It was even used as local anesthetics. In America, the Pure Food and Drug Act became law in 1906 and it then became illegal to buy either in stores or by mail order, products containing cocaine (including morphine and heroin) unless they were clearly labeled. Drug abuse is currently a universal problem; it is no longer isolated within cultural groups and geographical regions, but has permeated various national and continental boundaries. The problem is so worrisome that efforts to curb its spread and possibly eradicate it have assumed a diplomatic dimension, resulting in multilateral and bilateral treaties (Zamani, 1993: 115). Drug abuse occurs at all economic levels of society, from the wealthy to the impoverished, and among IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 185 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) young people as well as adults. Any drug may be abused, including tobacco, alcohol, medications and substances that give off intoxicating fumes. Drug abuse is often called “substance abuse” or “substance use disorders” (The World bookEncyclopedia, 2004: 361). Drug abuse is a global health and social problem with conditions and problems that vary locally. The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents and young adults has become a subject of public concern worldwide partly because of its potential to contribute to unintentional and intentional injury. Drug abuse has a universal phenomenon that extends across socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries and despite the efforts of various Nigerian tiers of government and the national drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA) to stem its tide in the country. There has been a consistent rapid rise in the number of cases especially among young adults. This growth has resulted in an increase in the number of cases of cultism, violent disorders as well as mental disorders among Nigerian youths (Oshikoya, 2006). Among the youths, three major reasons tend to account for the propagation of substance use and abuse. These can be summarized as peer influence, youth culture which emphasizes autonomy, and enthusiasm for unconventional behavior (Witters, Peter and Glen, 1992: 86). The tertiary institution environment, typified by the convergence of a large number of students who have attained universal adult suffrage, makes these factors mutually reinforcing. Drug abuse patterns include all aspect of drug usage by the youths ranging from how much, how often and what sort of drugs, where who, with, what circumstances and so on. The analysis of contemporary social problem has consistently proved more and more controversial because of the variables involved in their analysis, with the incidence of drug abuse, being of utmost concern to the abuser himself, his family, the government and the entire society in which he lives. This situation seems to have caused a lot of embarrassment to the government including most especially the damage done to the image of Nigeria abroad. It is obvious that custom officials in the United States of America and indeed the entire Nations of Europe subject the people of Nigeria traveling to these countries to a more rigorous and embarrassing checks. This type of degrading and humiliating examination of Nigerians according to them is because they want to crack down on smugglers of which Nigerians are the chief suspects due to the hard drug trafficking posture exhibited by some greedy Nigerians. Fundamentally, this IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 186 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) study has the main objectives of giving the meaning of drug and drug abuse; exposing the causes, consequences and effects of the phenomenon of drug abuse; determining the category of people who abuse drugs and possible suggesting a solution or way forward to drug abuse. Statement of the Problem Careful observation in the society today show that Nigerians have a drug for every purpose and many with no genuine purpose at all (Ahiante, 2003; UNDCP Nigeria Projects, 2003). Most deplorable however, is the rate of increase in the use and abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other dangerous drugs that can only distort, damage and destroy their users. While people of all ages tend to be involved in drug use and abuse, the increase of this phenomenon among young people, between ages ten and twenty-nine in contemporary Nigeria is regrettably serious and alarming (Suleiman, 2003). These are the years of personality growth and development. The problem of drug use and abuse among students and non student is universal (Ngoka, 2003). Drug abuse has become one of the most dominant forms of deviant behaviour in contemporary Nigerian society (Adelakun, 1996: 60). Concerns about this social menace have been expressed by various people at different fora. Various reasons ranging from religious, legal and theoretical, have been advanced for the problem of illegal use of drugs, especially by the youth of our society. Moreover, individuals, social institutions, and social processes have also been singled out for several or collective blame and condemnation. Drug abuse in Nigeria in the contemporary time has become one issue that cast a gloomy shadow to the entire Nigerian society especially among University undergraduates. The height of drug trafficking in Nigeria was witnessed in 1985 under the military regime. During this period, it was mostly the University undergraduates that were caught and the first to be executed for drugs offences under the “special tribunal (Miscellaneous Offences) Degree No. 20 of 1984. However, the abuse of drugs is not only limited to the University undergraduates as alien phenomenon is to distort its significance. Nevertheless, IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 187 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) the usage of drug either by University undergraduates or other members of the larger society in all its ramifications appears to be a social problem. This problem is widely spread and it affect all and sundry. In other words, this wide spread use and abuse entice people from all walks of life and beyond the human destruction caused by drug dependence is the damage to traditional values and lifestyles. Studies have also shown that drug abuse wrecks individual, shatter families and weakens entire society with its burden of economic loses, health cost and increased lawlessness and crime. Also, drugs seem to undermine the ability of University undergraduates to learn. Drug also appears to contradict our values of physical wellbeing. People experiment with drugs because they seem to hold the promise of fulfillment. But the fulfillment is generally elusive, greater and greater quantities are consumed and ultimately the person suffers both physical and psychological deterioration. The drug abuser also experience problems of interaction and this interactional problem are encountered both inside his immediate family and stress invariably is created in the family situation of drug abuse (Hoffman, 1990). To add to this, drug abuse may entail a lot of social problems ranging from lateness to lectures, family neglect, deviance behaviours, involvement in crime etc (Earl 2000). In terms of economic cost, it includes the more money required to deal with the undesirable effects of the drug abuse, the less money for services and programmes that enhances the quality of life (Earl 2000). The situation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, including the Ambrose Alli University is particularly worrisome, as extensive studies have associated anti social activities in these institutions with the after effect of substance abuse (Ogunremi and Rotimi, 1989: 25; Okorie, 2006: 2; Okwu, 2006: 193; Oshikoya and Alli, 2006: 135; Odejide, 2005: 87; Egbochukwu, 2009: 20). Drug abuse is a major health and social problem in these tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University. A lot of undergraduates are involved in the phenomenon of drug abuse; and it affects them adversely. Those who are not into drug abuse already are being influenced by their peers in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Something that is very urgent needs to be done in order to put the situation to a halt One of the factors militating against the eradication of drug abuse among University undergraduates is that our security agencies, such as the police force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies among others have not done enough IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 188 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) to check this scourge. Another factor militating against the eradication of drug abuse among Nigerian University undergraduates is the problem of corruption among the men and officials of these fore mentioned agencies. To this end and judging from the problems outlined earlier, this research aims at ascertaining the perception and heath risk of drug abuse among University undergraduates in Nigeria using Ambrose Alli University Edo State as a study area. RESULT AND DISCUSION OF FINDINGS Variable Category Frequency Percentages (%) Marital status Single Married Divorced Others 283 87 - - 76.5 23.5 - - Age 15-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 above 64 183 66 32 17 8 17.3 49.5 17.8 8.7 4.6 2.2 Sex Male Female 225 145 60.8 39.2 Level of study 100l 200l 300l 400l 500l 79 131 49 84 27 21.4 35.4 13.2 22.7 7.3 Faculty Arts/Humanities Agricultural sciences Education Management sciences Medical college Natural sciences Social sciences Law 56 36 50 67 3 52 93 13 15.1 9.7 13.5 18.1 0.8 14.1 25.1 3.5 Religion Christianity Islam 187 179 50.5 47.6 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 189 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Traditionalist Others 4 - 1.2 - Resident Hostel Off campus 152 218 41.1 58.9 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 Distribution of Respondents by Marital Status Majority of the respondents were single having 76.5 percent of the total number of respondents, 23.5 percent of the respondents were married. Distribution of Respondents by Age In terms of age, 17.3 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 15- 20, 49.5 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 21-25, 17.8 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 26-30, 8.7 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 31-35, 4.6 percent of the respondents were within the age range of 36-40, 2.2 percent were within the age range of 40 above. Distribution of Respondents by sex From table 1, it is apparent that 60.8 percent of the respondents were male, 39.2 percent of the respondents were female. Majority of the respondents were male. Distribution of Respondents by Level of Study 21.4 percent of the respondents were in 100 levels, 35.4 percent of the respondents were in 200 levels, 13.2 percent of the respondents were in 300 level, 22.7 percent of the respondents were in 400 level, 7.3 percent of the respondents were in 500 level. Majority of the respondents were in 200 levels. Distribution of Respondents by Faculty IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 190 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) 15.1 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of Art and humanities, 9.7 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of Agricultural sciences, 13.5 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of Education, 18.1 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of management sciences, 0.8 percent of the respondents were from Medical College, 14.1 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of Natural Sciences.25.1 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of Social Sciences and 3.5 percent of the respondents were from the faculty of law. Majority of the respondents were from Social sciences.Percent of the respondents resided in the hostel, 58.9 of the respondents resided off campus. Majority of the respondents resided off campus. Table 2: Drugs mostly abused by University Students Variables Frequency Percentages Stimulants 20 5.4 Alcohol 121 32.7 Hemp 28 7.6 Analgesics 64 17.3 Sedatives 11 3.0 Cocaine 16 4.3 Marijuana 110 29.7 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 2, 5.4 percent of the respondents affirmed that stimulants is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 32.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that alcohol is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 7.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that hemp is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 17.3 percent of the respondents affirmed that Analgesics is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 3 percent of the respondents affirmed that stimulants is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 4.3 percent of the respondents affirmed that cocaine is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students, 29.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that marijuana is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students. Majority affirmed that alcohol is a form of drug abuse mostly abused by university students. IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 191 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Table 3: Respondents Responses on Drugs mostly abused by Students Variables Frequency Percentages Tramadol 49 13.2 Codeine 30 8.1 Marijuana 105 28.4 Alcohol 133 36.0 Cigarettes 53 14.3 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 3, 13.2 percent of the respondents affirmed that tramadol drug is mostly abused by students, 8.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that codeine drug is mostly abused by students, 28.4 percent of the respondents affirmed that marijuana is mostly abused by students, 36 percent of the respondents affirmed that alcohol is mostly abused by students, 14.3 percent of the respondents affirmed that cigarettes is mostly abused by students, Table 4 Respondents Responses on reasons why Youths Abuse Drugs Variables Frequency Percentages To get high 102 27.6 To fit into the group 41 11.1 Peer group influence 139 37.6 Personality factors 4 1.1 Availability of the drugs 57 16.0 Depression 18 4.9 Family 7 1.9 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 4, 27.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs to get high, 11.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs to fit into group, 37.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs due to peer influence, 1.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs because of personality factors, 16 percent of the respondents affirmed that IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 192 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) youths abuse drugs due to the availability of the drugs, 4.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs due to depression and 1.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths abuse drugs due to their family background. Majority affirmed that that youth’s abuse drugs due to peer influence. Table 5: Respondents Responses on Factors Militating University Undergraduate to engage in Drug Abuse Variables Frequency Percentages Academic problems 84 22.7 For leisure 71 19.2 To gain power 55 14.9 To perform well 39 10.5 All of the above 121 32.7 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 5, 22.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that academic problems is a factor militating university undergraduate to engage in drug abuse, 19.2 percent of the respondents affirmed that university undergraduate engage in drug abuse for leisure, 14.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that university undergraduate engage in drug abuse to gain power, 10.5 percent of the respondents affirmed that university undergraduate engage in drug abuse to perform well, 32.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that university undergraduate engage in drug abuse due to academic problems, leisure, to gain power, to perform well. Table 6: Respondents Responses on if Drug Abuse is Associated with Undergraduates only Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Yes 33 8.9 No 321 86.8 Don’t know 16 4.3 Total 370 100 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 193 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Source: field survey, 2018 From table 6, 8.9 percent of the respondents agreed that drug abuse is associated with undergraduates only, 86.8 percent of the respondents disagreed that drug abuse is associated with undergraduates only, 4.3 percent of the respondents don’t know whether or not drug abuse is associated with undergraduates only. Majority of the respondents disagreed that drug abuse is associated with undergraduates only. Table 7: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on when Students takes Drugs more Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Midst of friends 258 69.7 Alone 69 18.6 Don’t know 43 11.7 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 7, 69.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that students takes drugs more when they are in the midst of friends, 18.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that students takes drug more when they are alone and 11.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that they don’t know when students takes drugs the more. Table 8: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on if they think Associating with People who takes Drugs can Influence Others Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Yes 194 52.4 No 170 45.9 Don’t know 6 1.6 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 194 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Table 4.8 indicates that 52.4 percent of the respondents agreed that associating with people who takes drugs can influence others, 45.9 percent of the respondents disagreed that associating with people who takes drugs can influence others while, 1.6 percent don’t know if associating with people who takes drugs can influence others. Majority of the respondents agreed that associating with people who takes drugs can influence others. Table 9: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on the Effect of Drug Abuse among Undergraduates Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Beneficial 15 4.1 Damaging 354 95.7 Don’t know 31 8.4 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 9, 4.1 percent affirmed that the effect of drug abuse among undergraduates is beneficial, 95.7 percent affirmed that the effect of drug abuse among undergraduates is damaging while, 8.4 percent affirmed that they don’t know the effect of drug abuse among undergraduates. Table 10: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on if Drug Addicts has Knowledge about the Possible Health Implications Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Yes 345 93.2 No 18 4.9 Don’t know 7 1.9 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 10, 93.2 percent of the respondents agreed that drug addicts had knowledge about the possible health implication, 4.9 percent of the respondents disagreed that drug addicts had knowledge about the possible health implication IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 195 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) while 1.9 of the respondents don’t know if drug addicts had knowledge about the possible health implication. Table 11: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on the Behavioral changes they notice in People who use Drug Variables Frequency Percentages Become aggressive 163 44.1 Become abusive 84 22.7 Use of bad languages 35 9.5 Miss school 34 9.2 Get into fights 54 14.6 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 11, 44.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that people who use drugs behaves aggressive, 22.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that people who use drugs become abusive, 9.5 percent of the respondents affirmed that people who use drugs uses bad language, 9.2 percent of the respondents affirmed that people who use drugs do miss school, 14.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that people who use drugs get into fights. Majority affirmed that people who use drugs behave aggressive. Table 12: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on the General Consequences of Youth involvement in Drug Abuse Variables Frequency Percentages Mental disorder 33 8.9 Maladjusted to school situation 29 7.8 School drop out 44 11.9 Indiscriminate sex 84 22.7 Loss of control 109 29.5 Criminal tendency 52 14.1 All of the above 19 5.1 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 196 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) From table 12, 8.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to have mental disorder, 7.8 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to be maladjusted to school situation, 11.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to drop out of school, 22.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to have indiscriminate sex, 29.5 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to lose control. 5.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to have criminal have criminal tendency while, 5.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that youths involved in drug abuse are likely to face all the consequences. Figure 1: Influence of Drug Abuse on Criminal Behaviour Source: Field Survey, 2018 Figure 1 presents the how drug abuse influences criminal behavior among undergraduate students in Kogi state university Anyigba. 95% of the respondents unanimously agree that drug abuse influences organized crime among undergraduate students, 97% claimed in influences armed robbery, 92% indicates that drug abuse leads to prostitution and high risk of sexual behavior among female students, 95% says it leads to hostility, 96% attest that drug abuse influences examination malpractice and 92% strongly agrees that among the drug abuse impact on students were personality disorders. IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 197 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Table 13: Respondents Responses on the Possible Health Implication of Drug Abusers Variables Frequency Percentages Liver cirrhosis 41 11.1 Mental imbalance 89 24.1 Anemia 17 4.6 Kidney damage and Stomach bleeding 27 7.3 Hypertension 10 2.7 Pancreatic 23 6.2 All of the above 163 44.1 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 13, 11.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that liver cirrhosis is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 24.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that mental imbalance is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 4.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that anemia is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 7.3 percent of the respondents affirmed that kidney damage and stomach bleeding is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 2.7 percent of the respondents affirmed that hypertension is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 6.2 percent of the respondents affirmed that pancreatic is a possible health implication of drug abusers, 44.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that liver cirrhosis, mental imbalance, anemia, kidney damage and stomach bleeding, hypertension, pancreatic are possible health implication of drug abusers. Table 14: Frequency Distribution showing Respondents Responses on if Drug Habit of Undergraduate Students is Associated with Drug Habits of their Parents Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Yes 79 21.4 No 212 57.3 Don’t know 79 21.4 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 198 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) From table 14, 21.4 percent of the respondents agreed that drug habit of undergraduate students is associated with drug habits of their parents, 57.3 percent of the respondents disagreed that drug habit of undergraduate students is associated with drug habits of their parents while, 21.4 percent of the respondents don’t know whether or not drug habit of undergraduate students is associated with drug habits of their parents. Majority of the respondents disagreed that drug habit of undergraduate students is associated with drug habits of their parents. Table 15: Respondents Responses on if Drug Abuse should be a Major concern of Government Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Yes 361 97.6 No 9 2.4 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 15, 97.6 percent of the respondents agreed that drug abuse should be a major concern of government, 2.4 percent of the respondents agreed that drug abuse should be a major concern of government. Majority of the respondents agreed that drug abuse should be a major concern of government. Table 16: Respondents Responses on the ways Drug Abuse can be reduced among University Undergraduates in Nigeria Variables Frequency Percentages Counseling 102 27.6 Imprisonment of offenders 89 24.1 Expulsion 31 8.4 All of the above 148 40.0 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 16, 27.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that counseling drug abusers can help reduce drug abuse among university undergraduates in Nigeria, 24.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that imprisoning drug abusers can help reduce drug abuse among university undergraduates in Nigeria, 8.4 of the respondents affirmed that expulsion of students who are drug abusers can help reduce drug abuse among university undergraduates in Nigeria while, 40 IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 199 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) percent of the respondents affirmed that all the factors can help reduce drug abuse among university undergraduates in Nigeria universities. Table 17: Respondents Responses on how the Federal Government can help Reduce Drug Abuse among Youths Variables Frequency Percentages Establishment of family education on drugs 28 7.6 Establishment of counseling centers for drug control 50 13.5 Designing curricula on drug eradication 33 8.9 Campaign against drug abuse 24 3.8 Establishment of drug awareness units 19 5.1 All of the above 226 61.1 Total 370 100 Source: field survey, 2018 From table 17, 7.6 percent of the respondents affirmed that establishment of family education on drugs can help reduce drug abuse among youths, 13.5 percent of the respondents affirmed that establishment of counseling centers for drug control can help reduce drug abuse among youths, 8.9 percent of the respondents affirmed that designing curricula on drug eradication can help reduce drug abuse among youths, 3.8 percent of the respondents affirmed that campaign against drug abuse can help reduce drug abuse among youths, 5.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that establishment of drug awareness units can help reduce drug abuse among youths while, 61.1 percent of the respondents affirmed that establishment of family education, establishment of counseling centers for drug control, designing curricula on drug eradication, campaign against drug abuse, establishment of drug awareness units can help reduce drug abuse among youths. Discussion of Findings From the research findings, it was discovered that majority of the respondents were single, this can be adduce to the fact that the research work was carried out among students. Also, majority of the respondents stayed off campus. Each of the research questions will be discussed in line with the findings in this segment. IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 200 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) Drugs commonly abused by Undergraduate Students in Nigeria The abuse of drugs is common and a trending issue among undergraduates in Nigeria. Drugs such as; tramadol, codeine, marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, sedatives, cocaine and analgesics was identified as been commonly abused by under graduates in Nigeria universities. Reasons why Drug are been Abused by University Undergraduates in Nigeria The abuse can be related to several factors which was made known by the research findings. Some undergraduate’s student abuse drugs just to themselves high and intoxicated while some abuse drugs just to fit into certain groups. For example, those who are members of cult had to take drugs to show case the group they belong to. Also, some undergraduates abuse drugs due to the influence from their peer groups, they abuse group drug because of the kind of friends they associate with. Personality factor, such as having low self esteem, was identified as a factor that triggers the use of drugs among undergraduate students. Other factors such as availability of drugs, depression due to academic performance or lack of resources and basic needs, family background are factors identified that can influence the use of drugs among undergraduates. Implication of Drug Abuse among Undergraduate Student The general implications of drug abuse that can be deduced from the research findings was that drug abuse has negative effects which can damage a student physically, psychologically and even spiritually. The abusers exhibit behaviours such as been aggressive, abusive, use of bad languages and continuous absent from school and easily get into fight. It was discovered that drug abusers are likely to have mental disorder, indiscriminate sex, loss of control, criminal tendency; they get maladjusted to school situations which may influences them to drop out of school. When University students are into drugs, they further seek membership of secret societies which are rampant on University campuses in Nigeria. Researchers have shown that many cult members are into drugs (Atere, 2003; Raufu, 2003; Okirika, 2000; Oniyama & Oniyama, 2000; Okpetu & Dittimiya, 2000). Armed Robbery and Organized Crimes: Drug abuse gives students a false sense of security and self-confidence. As a result, these adolescents take to different types of crime including kidnapping, rape and armed robbery. Prostitution and High Risk Sexual Behaviour: When female University students are dependent on drugs; they may also take to prostitution as a means of making IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 201 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) easy money to live above their economic means. Male students who are on drugs are also known to be gigolos or engage in gay relationships with older wealthy men while the female may have multiple sexual partners with whom they engage in lesbianism and unprotected sex. According to Samuel et al (1985), such students usually desire the most expensive and fashionable clothing, perfumes and cars but do not have the means to secure them. Prostitution and other high risk sexual behavior therefore, provide the avenue for cheap money. Hostility: Drug abusers often experience emotional instability. Consequently, they may become hostile to family, friends, colleagues, lecturers constituted authority and every one about them. Personality Disorders: A personality disorder is a deviant behaviour (Makinde, 2004). Thus, personality disorders that are common among drug abusers are paranoid (secretive, stubborn, rigid); schizoid (socially withdrawn, poor social skills); narcissistic (self-centred, lacks empathy); histrionic (flirts about, attention seeking); borderline (unable to maintain intimacy, unstable moods); and self- defeating (depressed, lonely, resists Social contact, feels hopeless). Examination Misconduct: University students who are into drugs experience different levels of personality disorders as highlighted above. As a result their involvement in cult and other related activities, truancy and absenteeism, poor study skills and poor memory, many of them resort to cheating during examination (Awa, 1983; Ogunyemi, 2003a; Olatoye & Afuwape, 2003; Ogunyemi, 2003b). Measures Aimed at Eradicating Drug Abuse Problem among University Undergraduates in Nigeria Majority of the respondent affirmed that drug abuse should be a major concern of the government and drug abuse can be reduced by counseling abusers, imprisonment of offenders and expulsion from school. Also, many of the respondents affirmed that there should be establishment of family education on drugs, establishment of counseling centers for drug control, there should be curricula designed against drug abuse and the establishment of drug awareness units. Health Implications of Drug Abuse Health implications associated with drug abuse were identified in the research findings. Health conditions such as liver cirrhosis, mental imbalance, anemia, kidney damage and stomach bleeding, hypertension, pancreatic among others. IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 202 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) The general implications of drug abuse that can be deduced from the research findings is that drug abuse has negative effects which can damage a student physically, psychologically and even spiritually. The abusers exhibit behaviours such as been aggressive, abusive, use of bad language and continuous absent from school and easily getting into a fight. It was discovered that drug abusers are likely to have mental disorder, indiscriminate sex, loss of control, criminal tendency; they get maladjusted to school situations which may influences them to drop out of school. And the Health implications associated with drug abuse were identified in the research findings. Health conditions such as liver cirrhosis, mental imbalance, anemia, kidney damage and stomach bleeding, hypertension, pancreatic among others. Conclusion In conclusion of this research work, the researcher wish to say that having completed the research on the perception and health risk of drug abuse among undergraduate students of kogi state university Anyigba. In line with the finding of the study and the discussion, the researcher makes the following conclusions. Drug abuse is a social problem basically associated with young people. These young people involve themselves in taking hard drugs and excessive taking of some drugs which may alter the body system or may cause damage to their health. Drug abuse is very common among undergraduates, they take drugs, to get high or to make them feel big or for them to just feel belonged or fit into the environment, while some take these drugs through the influence of friends or other people around them. Drug is mostly abused by male undergraduates than female. Recommendations The problem of drug abuse among Nigeria University undergraduates as the study has revealed is one thing that does nobody or any nation any good. That being the case, the question that arises often are, what then can be done to this problem of drug abuse among our youths. Perhaps, the following recommendations posited here can help policy makers and administrators in this very fight against use and abuse of drugs among undergraduates. 1. Greater availability of good educational activities, material and leadership opportunities for youths are necessary to keep the youths happily busy. This would help a lot towards solving the drug abuse problem. Government should set up rehabilitation centres to aid victims of drug abuse. IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities Vol. 5 No 2, March 2019. ISSN: 2488-9210(Online) 2504-9038(Print) 203 (A Publication of Tansian University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies) 2. Further to this, there is also the need for the agency in combating the social disintegration by way of public awareness and education. Community organizations and health and social agencies must identify high-risk groups and educate the public about the dangers of drug use, emphasizing vital importance of drug free life. 3. A social environment should be created which would discourage drug abuse, within the schools and Universities educating undergraduates on the dangers of drug abuse and the value of life. The schools and Universities should formulate policies to prevent drug abuse and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug abuse in their children. 4. Pamphlets and badges should be distributed to schools, colleges and universities. Also entertainment and sport celebrities should also deglamorize drug abuse. In addition to this, parents also should strive to be showing examples to their children and they should also be wary of the company their kids keep. 5. Furthermore, legislation should be enacted to penalize haulage companies especially transporters who do not implement and enforce procedure to prevent misuse of their facilities by drug traffickers. 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