War Against Drug Abuse And Risky Lifestyles

Experts from the academia and different endeavours of life have warned newly admitted students to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA against risky sexual behaviors, indecent dressing, drug abuse and attempt at suicide.

Experts from the academia and different endeavours of life have warned newly admitted students to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA against risky sexual behaviors, indecent dressing, drug abuse and attempt at suicide which have become common among students in higher institution and teenager in general.

Speaking on the topic Risky Sexual Behaviour and Indecent Dressing, the Director, Centre for Gender Issues in Science and Technology, FUTA, Professor Christiana Ijagbemi warned the students to be wary of their new environment, starting from the way they dress and the kind of friends they keep. She said, “As new students you are prone to many people coming around you to welcome and introduce so many things to you. Some may come under the guise of religious organization, clubs, association with the aim of catching them young and for a young and innocent mind who gullibly accepts any and every thing, he or she may be lured into activities that can mar his or her future.” 

She defined anything risky as something dangerous which can lead to failure, losses and everlasting regrets and said indecent means something abnormal and not conforming with the societal norms. 

Speaking on risky sexual behavior, which can emanate from unnecessary intimacy between people of opposite sex, or even same sex, she said if indulged , such can lead to unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) which may lead to delay or termination of academic pursuit, or even graver consequences if not properly managed. She warned the students against male and female cohabitation, lesbianism and related vices.

Dwelling on indecent dressing, Professor Ijagbemi said exposure of parts of the body, for whatever reason is not good. She said “indecent dressing affects people’s perception and judgement about you. It says a lot about you to people around and can land you into unnecessary trouble. Adapt a modest dress code. Let your mates and people around you identify you with the right mode of dressing. Avoid copying indecent lifestyles around you, especially online. Do not watch pornographic sites, movies, reading unethical stuffs on line and in magazines. Promote ethical and healthy sexual behavior. Be yourself. Chose role models after settling down properly. Do not rush so that you don’t run into the wrong ones.”

She counselled them on visiting the Students Affairs Division for counselling and assistance whenever the need arises.

Addressing them on security matters, the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Samuel Olanitori said the cardinal objectives of all security measures are to detect, deter, delay, deny and deflect threats which must be applied when considering security for one’s person, the family, the home, while travelling and for one’s social life. 

He highlighted some security prevention methods to include no disclosure of important information on phone; living modest lifestyle; vigilance about strange faces loitering in one’s neighborhood; avoiding lonely routes; avoiding night journeys; confirmation of people’s identity before receiving them to our homes; non-disclosure of vital information on phones; avoiding hasty opening of strange mails and packages; installation of quality locks on gates and doors; keeping doors always locked even while inside; proper illumination of perimeter fence and drive way approaches; having good rapport with neighbours;  entering vehicles at designated  bus terminals; keeping valuables out of sight and luggage close at hand; avoiding wearing excessive jewelry; leaving ample maneuvering space between one’s vehicle and the one in front among others.

Speaking on drug awareness, the State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ondo State Command, Mr. Raji Kayode represented by the Deputy State Commander, Mrs. Jeyifous Yetunde reminded the students on the negative consequences of illicit drug intake, usage and trafficking. She said drugs that are not medically prescribed or recommend by medical experts is abuse adding that drugs are only needed for prevention and treatment of ailments and urged students to avoid drug abuse.

She said the roles the university and the society can play to prevent it is giving students proper literacy, sensitizing them on the dangers of drug abuse, providing counselling services, teaching them on how to manage their emotional situations, rewarding good behavior and punishing erring ones, adding that students should be assertive in dealing with people and involvement in religious and good recreational activities. 

In a presentation titled Mental Health and Suicidal Tendencies Among Youths and Students of Higher Institution of Learning delivered by the Director, Quality Assurance, Professor Ola Salawu, he bemoaned the spate at which suicide is increasing among students and teenagers in the world linking it to issues related to mental health.

He classified mental health to include depression and anxiety, drug abuse and the social implications, suicide and societal consequences, stressing the importance of total wellbeing which he defined as a state in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities where he can cope with the normal stresses of life.

He listed factors that affect mental health to include sleep deprivation, environmental pollution, hazardous working condition, smoking, stigma, abuse, lack of social and emotional support, lack of safety, among others.

Salawu said to put stress under control, one should understand that one cannot control everything. he urged students to avoid skipping meals, eating processed foods, drinking alcohol, not sleeping enough and so on.

To deal with suicidal thought, he admonished students to share their feelings with trusted persons around them and recognize that suicidal thoughts are temporary. He also encouraged them to focus on their studies to excel in life, citing examples of FUTA products who are doing excellently well in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. He said “no matter what you face in life, your health, your academic or with your loved ones, always remember that God is at the centre of it all and do not allow the devil to take charge of your life.” 

Addressing them on a lecture titled Health Services Delivery in the University, the Director, Health Centre Dr Tayo Adenikiju said the objective of the center include  surveillance of disease prevalent in the University Community, promotion of health among members of the University community and the treatment of common conditions. He advised that to access these services, the first step is to register with the health services Unit. He urged the students to ensure they exercise often, live in adequate shelter and ensure they feed well to stay completely healthy.

In a lecture titled Proper Use and Maintenance of University Infrastructure, the Director of Works, Engineer Kehinde Bamisile, represented by Mr. Aina Ojo, defined University infrastructure as properties provided to guarantee a conducive learning environment, like lecture rooms, offices, halls of residence, office equipment and so on. According to him maintenance are works carried out to ensure that a facility remains in good working condition for a period of time. He noted that the Directorate of Works is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that all the infrastructure  in the University is in good working condition at all times. He mentioned the various units in the Directorate to include, building, civil, power and electrical.

Speaking on sporting activities in the University, the Director, Sport Services, Dr Alayode Ajibua said FUTA is a sport loving Institution. Dr Ajibua who also doubles as a coach for FUTA football team defined recreation as activity done for enjoyment when one is not working. He defined exercise as activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.

Dr Ajibua said people confuse exercise for recreation when it should not be. He called on those who have flair and interest in sporting activities to signify interest and feel free to visit the centre.

MySchoolNews reporting.