The Presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to combating social vices in Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary institutions, pledging an initial ₦50 million to the Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices.
Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the announcement on Thursday during a State House meeting with committee members led by Chairman Professor Jerry Ugokwe.
Gbajabiamila commended the committee’s integrity and capacity, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard youth wellbeing amid rising cases of cultism, drug abuse, exam malpractice, and cybercrime. “Young people are the future, but we must act deliberately to secure it,” he said, noting that addressing these challenges requires collaboration among parents, teachers, clergy, neighbors, and institutions.
He also highlighted the link between law and morality, announcing federal support, mobilization of corporate social responsibility funds, and potential budget backing. Gbajabiamila personally contributed ₦50 million, starting with ₦25 million, to kickstart the committee’s initiatives.
Professor Ugokwe expressed gratitude to the Presidency, describing the committee as a structured federal effort to promote discipline, run sensitization campaigns, make policy recommendations, and coordinate with schools, security agencies, and state authorities.
Since its inauguration, the committee has conducted campaigns in Edo and Kwara States and plans a national launch in Abuja. Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon, cited recent student fatalities linked to drug abuse as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
The committee stressed that a multi-stakeholder approach, supported by both federal and state governments, is essential to creating safe and morally responsible learning environments for Nigerian students. The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to nurturing disciplined, law abiding, and socially responsible youth.
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