Prof. Morufu Daodu of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has revealed that approximately 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15 to 67 use psychoactive substances, with a high prevalence among youths aged 10 to 29.
Speaking at LASUED’s 3rd Inaugural Lecture titled “Stormy Seas of Adolescence: Stakeholder Contract in the Advancement of Normalcy”, Daodu highlighted that one in three secondary school students in some areas consume alcohol, while 17.3% of high school students report lifetime substance use. He emphasized the broader challenges adolescents face, including cultism, examination malpractice, social media addiction, and cybercrime.
The professor, who is also LASUED’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, stressed that cybercrime—ranging from online fraud to identity theft—is often fueled by peer pressure, curiosity, and the lure of quick wealth, putting young people’s moral character and future at risk. He advocated for digital literacy, moral guidance, law enforcement, and safe recreational spaces to steer adolescents toward productive behavior.
Daodu called for collective action involving parents, educators, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society to address adolescent challenges. He also urged governments and NGOs to implement poverty alleviation programs, enforce laws against child abuse and trafficking, and ensure access to affordable, inclusive education.
