Introduction

Walk into any college campus in Nigeria, and you will likely find a quiet but troubling reality: students turning to drugs not for pleasure, but as an escape. Substance abuse among students has become one of the most pressing challenges facing higher education across the country, and the Federal College of Education, Yola, is no exception. What drives young people to this path, and what does it cost them? A closer look at the lives of NCE students reveals patterns that many families and institutions still struggle to address.

The Company We Keep

For most students, the road into drug use begins with friendship. Peer influence remains one of the strongest forces shaping student behaviour, and many young people first experiment with substances simply to fit in or avoid feeling left out. Away from home for the first time and eager for acceptance, students can find it difficult to say no when the people around them normalise drug use as part of campus life.

When Home Offers No Anchor

Family background plays an equally powerful role. Students from broken homes, or those whose parents are overly permissive or emotionally distant, often lack the guidance and accountability that could otherwise steer them away from harmful choices. Without a stable home environment to return to, many students seek comfort, belonging, or escape elsewhere, and drugs can become a substitute for the support they are missing.

The Cost of a Habit

The consequences of drug abuse rarely stay hidden for long. Academic performance is often the first casualty, as concentration wanes and coursework falls behind. Absenteeism becomes more frequent, and memory problems set in, making it harder for students to retain what they have learned or perform well in examinations. Beyond academics, drug abuse can strain relationships, damage self-esteem, and set young people on a path that is difficult to reverse.

A Shared Responsibility

Turning this tide requires more than warnings; it calls for active involvement. Parents can play a protective role by staying engaged in their children’s lives, even from a distance. Institutions can strengthen counselling services and create environments where students feel supported rather than judged. Encouraging academic engagement, mentorship, and open conversations about the pressures students face can go a long way in helping them make healthier choices.

Conclusion

Drug abuse among students is not simply a matter of poor choices; it is often a symptom of deeper struggles with belonging, family stability, and support. Addressing it meaningfully will require parents, schools, and communities to work together, not just to punish the behaviour, but to understand and address what drives it in the first place. Only then can students find healthier paths through the pressures of college life.