The Federal Government inaugurated a committee on Thursday in Abuja to campaign against social vices in tertiary institutions.
The committee is to combat social vices among Nigerian students through comprehensive and collaborative approach; raise awareness, and promote positive values and provide support for students.
It is also mandated to foster a generation of ethical, responsible and successful young Nigerians.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, tasked the committee to devise new strategies in the campaign against vices and collaborate with local and foreign partners for support.
He said while government would not relent in its efforts to reposition Nigeria’s education sector, its plans and efforts would be fruitless if social vices were not curtailed in tertiary institutions.
“This committee is coming at no better time than now in this era of abuse of social media and multiplicity of information.
“The negative influence of some social media content coupled with peer pressure on students has had exponential consequences injurious to national societal values and peace.
“Tertiary institutions exist within the larger society and there has been an increase in indiscipline in our institutions and we are all concerned on how to confront the ugly phenomenon,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Students Engagement, Mr Sunday Asefon acknowledged the growing level of social vices in tertiary institutions.
He noted that drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty had been threatening the well-being and academic success of Nigerian students and there was the need to tackle the menace headlong.
Asefon commended President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the future of Nigerian students.
“As a committee, you will collaborate with tertiary institutions to strengthen security measures and create an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
“This committee is here for Nigerian students. We believe in your potential and the government of President Tinubu is here to empower you to make positive choices,’’ he said.
In his acceptance speech, chairman of the committee, retired Maj-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, pledged its commitment to addressing emerging social vices in tertiary institutions.
Nigeria would continue to experience moral decadence and decline in ethics and values particularly in institutions of higher learning if social vices were not tackled, Kazaure noted.
He said the committee would propose the immediate installation of CCTV cameras in and around all secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the country.
“We shall work to effect immediate ban on music, movies and contents that promote social vices among our students and youths.
“We shall propose, in consultation with stakeholders, the immediate registration of off-campus hostels accommodating students of tertiary institutions and propose a mandatory drug test for undergraduate students,’’ Kazaure said. (NAN)
