A Study to Determine the Incidence of Drug Abuse Among Students of Tertiary Institutions. A Case Study Wukari

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Page Numbers: 37-57
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Published: Nov 23, 2025
Digital Object Identifier: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8024
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Authors:
Isaac John Umaru1, Solomon Ossom Asare2, Emmanuel Omanchi3, Debora Akinola Umogbai4, Abimbola Gbenga Olayemi5, Zainab Bello Dambazau6, Emmanuel Eluu Chukwudi7, Precious Chioma Jack8
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Isaac John Umaru
Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Solomon Ossom Asare
Accra School of Hygiene, Korle Bu, Ghana
Emmanuel Omanchi
Medecins Sans Frontieres, Operational Center Paris, France
Debora Akinola Umogbai
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abimbola Gbenga Olayemi
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Zainab Bello Dambazau
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Emmanuel Eluu Chukwudi
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria
Precious Chioma Jack
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the incidence, patterns, and consequences of drug abuse among students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria, using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative survey data revealed that 28.4% of students had engaged in drug use, with alcohol (64.8%), cannabis (45.1%), and tramadol identified as the most commonly abused substances. Qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlighted the social dynamics, institutional gaps, and cultural factors shaping substance use, with male students aged 21–25 and those living off-campus emerging as the most vulnerable demographic, while covert drug use among female students was linked to peer and romantic influences. Peer pressure, academic stress, and curiosity were reported as primary motivators, and hostel environments were found to foster experimentation. Drug abuse was associated with academic decline, mental health problems—including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation—and low utilization of counseling services, whereas institutional responses were characterized by limited drug education, weak enforcement, and poor awareness of available support systems. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated prevention strategies, peer-led interventions, and enhanced mental health services to address this growing public health concern.

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Article Details

How to Cite
Umaru, I. J., Asare, S. O., Omanchi, E., Umogbai, D. A., Olayemi, A. G., Dambazau, Z. B., Chukwudi, E. E., & Jack, P. C. (2025). A Study to Determine the Incidence of Drug Abuse Among Students of Tertiary Institutions. A Case Study Wukari. African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research, 3(1), 37-57. https://doi.org/10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8024

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