PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, A CASE STUDY IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YOLA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

Drug Abuse among students is a major problem facing the world today. In order to understand the problems of drug abuse on students’ academic performance, various theoretical perspectives were utilized and strategies to curb drug abuse were also identified. The study was conducted in five secondary schools in Yola north local Government Area of Adamawa state, Nigeria. One hundred (100) students and thirty 30 teachers were randomly chosen as participants for the study. Data was gathered using questionnaire. Statistical data using frequency of counts converted to percentage to determine the respondents’ opinion on the questionnaire was used. The study found out that what influences students in to drugs are peer group influence, lack of parental care/ supervision, curiosity, society acceptance to some drug e.g. alcohol etc. The risks involved in drug abuse includes mental disorder, depression, poor academic performance, students that abuse drug do have poor relationship with their teachers etc. The study examined the impact or the role played by schools in handling the problem of drug abuse in the school. In addition, the study recommended by highlighting the strategies that can be employed to address the problems of drug abuse on students’ academic performance.