EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BWARI AREA COUNCIL: COUNSELING IMPLICATIONS

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Drug abuse refers to the use of substances for non-medical purposes, leading to harmful effects on an individual’s social, cognitive, or physical well-being (Kerochio, 2015). Socially, drug abuse can cause increased conflicts with peers, teachers, and disruptions in school activities. Kalunta (2015) describes drugs as any substance other than food or water that alters how people feel, think, perceive, or behave. The cognitive impact includes difficulties concentrating on academic tasks and memory problems. Drugs affect physical, mental, and emotional functions due to their chemical properties and can be ingested in multiple ways such as chewing, smoking, drinking, or injection. According to the World Health Organization (W.D.E, 2017), drug addiction is defined as persistent and excessive drug use that deviates from medically approved practices. Drug abuse among youth is a significant global problem with severe consequences. Addiction can lead to a downward spiral of despair, sometimes fatal. The issue spans various groups, from street children to hardened drug users (NACADA, 2015). Drug abuse leads to economic losses, property damage in schools, increased healthcare costs, and broken families, affecting parents, teachers, government officials, taxpayers, and employees alike. To combat this, Nigeria’s government established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which enforces drug laws, manages abuse cases, and educates communities. Local leaders and chiefs have also played roles in raising awareness among parents and students. By 2017, drug abuse had become a severe problem in both urban and rural areas, with school pupils targeted by dealers (Kithi, location head Muss Kipchumba). While young people are the most affected, older adults also suffer from substance abuse, especially excessive alcohol consumption. Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse remain a priority in Nigeria. Globally, drug use and abuse pose a major threat to educational institutions, which are meant to impart knowledge, values, and ethics (Mclean & Ellrod, 2018). Commonly abused substances such as cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes, codeine, and petrol have negatively affected students’ academic performance worldwide, especially in senior secondary schools. Ajayi and Ekundayo (2018) noted that drug abuse significantly hampers effective teaching, school management, and learning in Nigeria. Drug abuse typically begins in early adolescence due to financial challenges and prevailing cultural norms (Kandel & Chen, 2015). Usage often starts with tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, followed by prescribed narcotics and stimulants used for medical conditions such as attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy (Turner, 2018). Consequently, youths—expected to be future leaders—fall into drug use, adversely impacting their development and academic achievements (Turner, 2018). The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recognizes drug abuse as a critical school problem, with reports indicating that about 20% of students in Abuja have used psychoactive substances at least once (Alemika, 2018). 1.2 Statement of the Problem Drug abuse is widespread among secondary school students in Nigeria. The causes are often attributed to influences from parents, peers, and society. Secondary schools face problems such as vandalism, weapon carrying, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, exam malpractice, violence, strikes, bullying, cultism, truancy, and dropouts. Juvenile delinquency and disrespect towards teachers and administrators are common. Depending on the type and pattern of use, drugs can have either harmful or occasional beneficial effects. Drug abuse contributes to health problems such as heart and liver diseases and has fueled a rise in crime rates linked to its use. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the impact of drug addiction on the academic performance of students in senior secondary schools within the Bwari Area Council. 1.3 Purpose of the Study This study aims to examine the influence of drug abuse on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Bwari Area Council, with particular attention to counseling implications. The specific objectives include: i.Determining the prevalence of drug abuse among senior secondary school students and identifying the commonly abused drugs. ii.Identifying the causes of drug abuse among these students. iii.Assessing the effects of drug abuse on students’ academic performance. iv.Evaluating the measures in place to address and reduce drug abuse among senior secondary school students in the area. 1.4 Research Questions This study seeks to answer the following questions: i.What is the extent of drug abuse among senior secondary school students? ii. how would you rate the level of drug abuse among students iii. what would you say are the causes of drug abuse ? iv.What measures have been implemented to curb drug abuse among students? 1.5 Research Hypotheses H01: Drug abuse has no significant effect on the academic performance of senior secondary school students. H02: There are no effective measures in place to curb drug abuse among senior secondary school students. 1.6 Significance of the Study This research highlights the influence of drug abuse on students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools within Bwari Area Council and its counseling implications. The findings will be valuable to the Ministry of Education in understanding causes of drug abuse and formulating strategies to combat the problem. Additionally, the study will enrich academic literature and guide students and researchers interested in this topic. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study focuses on the influence of drug abuse on academic performance among senior secondary school students in Bwari Area Council. It will investigate the prevalence of drug abuse, the commonly abused substances, causes of drug abuse, effects on academic performance, and measures employed to mitigate the problem. The study is geographically limited to senior secondary schools in Bwari, Abuja. 1.8 Limitations of the study Constraints faced during the research include: Difficulty accessing accurate and relevant materials on the topic. Financial limitations affecting the acquisition of resources and printing/collation of questionnaires. Time constraints due to balancing research activities with other academic responsibilities. 1.9 Definition of Operational Terms Drug Abuse: The consumption of drugs for purposes other than their intended medical use. Academic Performance: The degree to which a student, teacher, or educational institution achieves their short- or long-term educational goals.