A Study of Students’ Knowledge and Perception of Incidences and Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Tertiary Institutions in Niger State: Implications for Counselling

Abstract

The study investigated the students’ knowledge and perception of
incidences and prevalence of substance abuse in tertiary institutions in
Niger State. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. A sample
of 346 students were randomly selected from three institutions, namely
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, College of Education,
Minna and Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru. The sample size comprised
of 150 female and 196 males. A researcher designed questionnaire tagged
“Abusable Substance Knowledge and Perception” (ASKAPI) was used
for data collection. The Data collected were analyzed using simple
frequency counts, percentages and mean values. The finding revealed
that students in tertiary institution of Niger State have appreciable
knowledge and perception of substance abuse on incidence and
prevalence. Also it revealed that Alcohol, Marijuana, Tramadol cigarette,
nail polish were the most commonly abused substance. Based on the
findings recommendations made include putting up drug abuse
awareness programme should be organized by guidance and counselling
unit of tertiary institutions in collaboration with students affairs office
for students.