IMPLICATION OF DRUG ABUSE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN BORNO STATE (A CASE STUDY OF BORNO STATE UNIVERSITY)

ABSTRACT This study examines the implications of drug abuse on the academic performance of students in tertiary institutions, with specific reference to Borno State University, Maiduguri. The study seeks to identify the common types of drugs abused by students, investigate the causes of drug abuse, assess its effects on academic performance, and suggest possible strategies for controlling the menace among students.A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to randomly selected students of Borno State University. The data obtained were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and simple descriptive statistics.The findings revealed that drug abuse is prevalent among students and is influenced mainly by peer pressure, emotional stress, family background, and the desire to enhance academic performance. The study also found that drug abuse negatively affects students’ concentration, memory, class attendance, and overall academic achievement. Furthermore, drug abuse was observed to increase the likelihood of indiscipline, absenteeism, and poor examination performance.The study concludes that drug abuse poses a serious threat to the academic and moral development of students in tertiary institutions. It therefore recommends that government, school authorities, parents, and religious bodies should intensify awareness campaigns, enforce strict anti-drug policies within campuses, and provide effective counseling and rehabilitation services to students involved in drug use.