The Effects of Drug Abuse on Students Academic Performance in Benue State University, Makurdi
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The aim of this research is to determine the effects of drug abuse on academic performance of undergraduate students of Benue State University, Makurdi. Nigeria. The specific objectives are to:
- Determine the level of drug abuse among BSU students examine the drugs that are mostly abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University.
- Ascertain the causes of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University.
- To investigate the effect of drug abuse among undergraduate students in Benue State University.
- To proffer possible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Introduction
This chapter review relevant literatures related to the study, it starts with conceptual clarification, the level of drug abuse among students, the reasons that propel students to engage in drug abuse, the types of drugs commonly abused by undergraduate students, the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of students, possible solutions of drug abuse among students and theoretical framework which is on differential association theory and structural strain theory.
The Concept of Drug
A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in the biological function through its chemical actions (Okoye, 2001). It is also considered as a substance that modifies perceptions, cognition, mood, behaviour and general body functions (Balogun, 2006). According to Fawa (2003), Drug is defined as any substance, which is used for treatment or prevention of a disease in man and animals. Also, a drug may be defined as any licit or illicit substance that when swallowed, smoked, sniffed or injected influences the function and operation of the body and mind. It is any substance other than food, which by its chemical nature affects the structure and function of a living organism (Folawiyo, 2000). This includes virtually all types of materials and substances including food, ingested, inhaled or injected into the body. From these definitions, it is obvious that heroin, cocaine, marijuana, barbiturates, amphetamine, alcohol, coffee and cigarettes are classified as drugs.
The Concept of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse refers to the misuse or wrong use of drugs which have adverse effects on the central nervous system, mind, mood, behaviour and personality of the individual (Dewan, 2002). It is the use of any drug to the point where it interferes with an individual’s health or with his economic or social adjustment. Omolade (2003) opines that drug abuse involves self-administration of drug in a manner that deviates from the approved medical and social patterns within a given culture. NAFDAC, (2000) as cited by Haladu (2003) explained the term drug abuse as excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter presents the method that the researcher employs in conducting a reliable and valid study. The chapter first and foremost explains the design of the study, study setting, population of study, sample/sampling procedure, sample size determination, method of data collection, techniques of data analysis and limitations of the study.
Design of the Study
For the purpose of this work, descriptive survey method was used. The survey method is most suitable for this work because it gives the research more description on how students on campus use and abuse drugs.
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
This chapter presents and analyzes the research findings. The study examines the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of Benue State University students. The chapter analyses is on, the socio-demographic variables of respondents, the level of drug abuse among BSU students, the drugs that are mostly abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University, the causes of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University, the effect of drug abuse among undergraduate students in Benue State University, possible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University, test of hypothese and discussion of finings.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
This section of the study discussed the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents which includes; sex, age, marital status, level of study, campus and religion. Detailed presentation is made with the aid of a table followed by statistical explanation with the aid of percentages.
CHAPTTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
This chapter summarizes, concludes and gives appropriate recommendations base on the research findings.
Summary
The study examines the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of Benue State University students.
Chapter one is on introduction. With the following specific set objectives: to find out the level of drug abuse among BSU students, to ascertain the types of drugs that are mostly abuse among students of Benue State University, the causes of drug abuse among students of Benue State University, the effect of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University and possible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University and two hypotheses, alternative and null hypotheses which starts that, There is no significant relationship between drug abuse and academic performance of undergraduate students and there is a significant relationship between drug abuse and academic performance of undergraduate students. The chapter contains background to the study, statement of the problem, research questions, aim and objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, the scope of the study and definition of terms.
Chapter two review relevant literatures related to the study, it starts with conceptual clarification, the level of drug abuse among students, the reasons that propel students to engage in drug abuse, the types of drugs commonly abused by undergraduate students, the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of students, possible solutions of drug abuse among students and the theoretical framework was on differential association theory and structural strain theory.
Conclusion
Drugs are a source of medication and treatment for various illness and preventive disease if properly prescribe by medical professionals.Drug abuse constitutes one of the major social problems in Nigeria. It is a social problem basically associated with young people. The Nigerian society’s definition of some drugs as acceptable while others as not acceptable without reference to their effects on mental and physical wellbeing of the user such as alcohol has contributed to its continued intake by students of various universities in Nigeria. Drugs wrongly use without medication prescription has negative consequences for the academic, social, psychological and physical development of students. This problem is widely spread and it affect all and sundry.
In other words, its wrong use has cause damage to traditional values and undermines the ability of University students to learn. It is important for guidelines and students ethical conduct to be considered as a guide towards solving this social problem in our institutions of higher learning as the trend has continue to increase among students of our Nation ivory towers and Benue State University students are not an exception in this regard.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made;
First and foremost, there should be proper orientation of students on the dangers associated with drug abuse. This measure should be embark upon by departmental heads, student union government and all registered associations and clubs on campus in their orientation programmes organize for fresher’s as this will enable them avoid the take of illicit drugs.
Secondly, counseling services should be provided by counseling unit of our Nations institutions of higher learning to those already addicted with the social problem of drug abuse inorder to reduce the level of their intake and help them recover from its effects on their academic loss.
Thirdly, enforcement of drug related laws by University authorities will go a long way in arresting those who miss use drugs and go against the school guidelines for appropriate action. Also, students who engage in the act of drug abuse should be adequately punish by way or suspension from school, extension of academic programme of study or rustication base on the prescribe laws as this will serve as a determent to others in the same act to stop its usage.
In addition, since alcohol is considered as the most widely abuse drug among students, its sale and consumption should be properly regulated with adequate adverts on its side effects pass unto consumers.
Last but not the least, since this research work is limited to students of Benue State University, there is the need for a wider scope of study to be embark upon by other researchers in the area of drug related problems not just on students academic performance but its effects on economic and their social life on campus.
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