DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL: A STUDY OF OWA-ALERO COMMERCIAL SCHOOL AND FUTURE LEADERS COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN OWA-ALERO, IKA NORTHEAST LGA OF DELTA STATE

This study investigated the effect of drug abuse among students in Owa-Alero Commercial School and Future Leaders Comprehensive Secondary School, located in Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of drugs commonly abused by students, examine the relationship between drug abuse and students’ academic performance, and determine whether drug abuse instigates examination malpractice among students. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 363 students. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used, while inferential statistics including regression and ANOVA were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that students commonly abuse substances such as tramadol, cannabis, codeine, and cigarettes, mostly obtained from friends and street vendors. The study also found a significant negative relationship between drug abuse and academic performance, as well as a strong association between drug abuse and examination malpractice. These findings suggest that drug abuse among secondary school students poses a serious threat to their academic success and ethical conduct in school settings. The study concludes that urgent intervention is required by school authorities, parents, and relevant government agencies to curb drug abuse through education, counseling, and enforcement of existing drug control policies. Recommendations were made for the implementation of school-based drug education programs and strengthened community collaboration to monitor and prevent substance abuse among adolescents.