UBTH CMD Urges Govt to Tackle Rising Drug, Substance Abuse Among Secondary, Tertiary Students

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has appealed to the government to address the growing issue of drug and substance abuse among secondary and tertiary students in Edo State. During a meeting with the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ize-Iyamu emphasized the urgent need for deliberate actions to combat this crisis.

She highlighted UBTH's newly established Drug Testing Centre, which can analyze over 14 substances, as a valuable tool for managing drug-related problems.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu proposed routine student screenings in schools to promptly identify and support affected youth, ensuring access to confidential counselling and follow-up care at the hospital. She stated, "We look forward to partnering with the Edo State Ministry of Education to safeguard the future of our students." The initiative could be executed through either the hospital visiting schools to perform tests or students visiting the facility for screening.

The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, appreciated UBTH's recognition of the problem and its proposed solution. He assured the hospital of the state government's commitment to collaborate and implement such interventions, extending the idea beyond students and schools to a broader societal level. The meeting was attended by key figures from UBTH, including the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Director of Clinical Services, Director of Administration, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Research and Ethics), and Director of Nursing Services.