With drug abuse reportedly on the increase in schools, especially at secondary level, there’s need to come up with a comprehensive strategy to set guidelines for uprooting this habit.

Firstly, parents must wake to the reality that some of their children could be involved in this vice, despite their good upbringing and do their part before things get out of hand.

Secondly, the role of the educators or school administrators cannot be over emphasised. They are the most important stakeholders in this campaign, considering that they spend more time with the students than the parents themselves. 

Effective measures must be put in place within the schools if the campaign against this vice is to succeed.

Punitive measures against those caught in the act of consuming or promoting drug use in schools should be able to deter others from the practice.

It has been reported that there are ‘dealers’ who position themselves near the schools’ premise to supply these illicit substances to the students for a quick buck.

These are the people who have to be dealt with first, with the help of both grassroots leaders in those localities, assisted by the National Police and other security organs.

Health experts warn that drugs cause a wide range of mental and physical problems among users. We need our youth, the future of our nation, to remain physically fit, psychologically alert and mentally strong to take up this future role.

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