The Senior Special Assistant to the President on student engagement, Sunday Asefon, has announced the formation of a special committee to campaign against social vices in tertiary institutions.
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.- Gen. Suleiman Kazaure (rtd) has been appointed to head the newly formed special committee for the Eradication of Social Vices in Tertiary Institutions (SESV-TI)
Asefon said this was a decisive step to address the growing concern of social vices plaguing tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement in Abuja, the presidential aide said drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty among others are some of the social vices that hinder the academic performance and personal development of students.
He added that these vices not only hinder academic performance but also threaten the overall safety and well-being of students thereby casting a shadow over the vibrant environment of tertiary institutions.
He said: “The formation of the special committee underscores a significant commitment of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu to safeguard the future of Nigerian students.
“And also the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach in tackling the menace of social vices in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.”
He, therefore, said that the committee was drawn from various stakeholders, renowned educationists, student activists, and patriotic leaders among others.
Other members of the committee are Maxwell Okoye as Secretary, while prominent figures include Prof. Jerry Ugokwe, a Professor of Legislative Studies, and Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.
Also on the list are former Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Nggilari, former FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramat Tijjani, the Archbishop of the African Church Abuja, and Bishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa.
Abubakar Rimi Jnr, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu, Comrade Ismail Lawanson, Comrade Tayyiba Abdulrazak and representatives of security agencies were among the multifaceted composition of the committee.
He said the mandate of the committee was to develop and implement comprehensive awareness campaigns, educate students about the dangers of social vices and promote positive values.
He added that the committee would also collaborate with tertiary institution administrators to strengthen security measures and implement stricter disciplinary codes.
Other functions of the committee, he said, was to provide support and rehabilitation services to students struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or the aftermath of victimisation.
Asefon, however, emphasised that the success of the anti-social vices campaign was hinged on the continued commitment of the government, unwavering support from stakeholders, and active participation from students.
He further said that a brighter future could be secured for Nigeria’s future generation of leaders through the collective efforts of the citizenry.
