EXPLORING THE ROLE OF CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION IN CURBING DRUG ADDICTION AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

With potentially disastrous effects on academic performance, mental health, and societal development, drug addiction among young people in Nigerian higher institutions is an expanding public health and social issue. This study investigates the use of citizenship education as a tactic to reduce drug addiction among students in Lagos State owned universities, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. This was chosen because it involves using structured questionnaire in the researchers' variable of interest. The sample institutions are Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU) and Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin (LASUED) in Lagos State. The sample for the study consists of 350 students (194 LASU and 156 LASUED) that were selected using simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled "The Role of Citizenship Education in Curbing Drug Addiction among Tertiary Institution Students in Lagos State (RCECDA)" and analyzed using simple percentages and Chi-square statistics. Findings revealed no significant relationship between students' exposure to citizenship education and their status as tertiary learners, and no significant relationship between civic engagement and selfreported drug use behaviours. However, a significant relationship was found between the challenges faced by educators and administrators and the components relevant to drug-abuse prevention. The study recommends curriculum revision, multi-stakeholder collaboration, NDLEA involvement, peer educator training and strengthened campus counseling services to enhance the preventive impact of citizenship education on drug addiction.