ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — For many young people, university life is a period of growth, learning, and self-discovery. It is a time to build friendships, pursue academic goals, and prepare for the future. However, for some students, the university experience has been overshadowed by substance abuse, addiction, and personal struggles that often remain hidden behind smiles, social gatherings, and social media posts.
Across campus and in areas surrounding the university, conversations about substance abuse have become increasingly common. Students speak about friends who started by “trying it just once” but eventually became dependent on substances they now find difficult to live without.
Many students believe that peer pressure, emotional stress, family problems, and the desire to fit in are among the factors driving substance abuse among young people.
“Most people don’t plan to become addicted,” a student said. “It usually starts with friends encouraging you to try it. Before you know it, it becomes something you rely on.”
According to several students, substance abuse often starts during social gatherings where friends encourage one another to experiment.
Students interviewed for this report mentioned the misuse of cough syrups popularly referred to as DSP and CSP. According to them, these syrups are sometimes mixed with soft drinks or alcoholic beverages to produce intoxicating effects.
Others also identified marijuana, commonly known as weed, shisha, alcohol, and other substances as part of the growing problem.
Some students alleged that marijuana is sometimes purchased outside the university environment before being brought into student gatherings. While these claims could not be independently verified, they were repeatedly mentioned during interviews conducted for this report.
For many students, these substances initially serve as a temporary escape from academic pressure, family challenges, emotional stress, or personal difficulties. Unfortunately, what begins as an attempt to cope can gradually become a harmful habit.
CSP cough syrup bottles and a substance believed to be marijuana displayed in a social media post. Students interviewed for this report identified the misuse of codeine-containing cough syrups and marijuana as part of a growing concern about substance abuse among young people.
Editor’s Note: The photographs and videos used in this feature article are included for illustrative and educational purposes as part of the reporting process.
The Videos That Sparked Conversations
Images and videos circulating among students have further intensified discussions about substance abuse.
Some of the videos appear to show individuals rolling smoking products and mixing substances with beverages during social gatherings.
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Video footage appearing to show individuals preparing a smoking product during a social gathering.
“I Can’t Function Without It”
One of the greatest concerns raised by students is the level of dependence some individuals develop after prolonged substance use.
Several students claimed that they know people who struggle to study, concentrate, or carry out daily activities without first taking a substance.
What begins as experimentation can gradually develop into addiction.
“Some people feel like they cannot think clearly unless they take it first,” another student explained. “That’s when you realise it has become a serious problem.”
Students also reported noticing physical changes among some individuals who regularly abuse substances. According to them, some users lose weight, appear constantly tired, and gradually withdraw from academic and social activities.
A social media image showing a smoking product,commonly known as marijuana (weed)
Students say the effects of substance abuse are often visible in the classroom.
Some individuals reportedly miss lectures after late-night gatherings, struggle to complete assignments, and find it difficult to focus during classes.
Others gradually lose interest in their studies altogether.
Many students expressed concern that substance abuse is affecting the academic performance of some of their peers and reducing their chances of achieving the goals that brought them to the university in the first place.
Educational experts have long warned that substance abuse can impair memory, reduce concentration, and negatively affect learning outcomes.
The consequences of substance abuse extend far beyond academics.
Students reported noticing significant changes in the behaviour and well-being of some individuals who regularly use substances.
Some become isolated from friends and activities they once enjoyed. Others reportedly struggle with anxiety, emotional instability, and declining mental health.
Mental health experts warn that prolonged substance abuse can contribute to depression, addiction, poor decision-making, and other psychological challenges.
DSP and CSP cough syrups, a beverage, and small packaged substances displayed in social media images. The packaged substances were allegedly reported by students to include drugs commonly referred to as “Molly.”
Looking for Solutions
While many students acknowledge that substance abuse is a difficult issue to address, they believe it is not impossible to overcome.
Students are calling for increased awareness campaigns, counseling services, mentorship programmes, and stronger support systems for individuals facing emotional, academic, or personal challenges.
Many believe that understanding why students turn to substances is just as important as addressing the consequences.
They argue that early intervention, education, and access to support can help prevent experimentation from turning into addiction.
A Wake-Up Call
For many students, this issue is about far more than smoking, drinking, or getting high.
It is about mental health, academic success, personal growth, and the future of young people who arrived at university with dreams, ambitions, and hopes for a better life.
As concerns continue to grow, students hope that greater attention will be given to the issue before more lives, academic careers, and opportunities are affected.
Editor’s Note: This feature article is based on student observations, interviews, and multimedia materials gathered during reporting. The identities of individuals appearing in images or videos have not been independently verified, and the materials are included for illustrative and journalistic purposes.
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