By HENRY OLADELE

A don, Prof. Morufu Daodu, says studies show that about 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 67 use psychoactive substances, with a high prevalence among youths aged 10 to 29.

Daodu, a Professor of Counselling Psychology, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), cited these figures on Wednesday, while delivering the institution’s 3rd Inaugural Lecture at Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State.

During the lecture titled, “Stormy Seas of Adolescence: Stakeholder Contract in the Advancement of Normalcy”, Daodu noted that in some parts of the country, one in every three secondary school students consumed alcohol.

He added that there was also a 17.3 per cent lifetime prevalence of substance use reported among high school students.

Daodu, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, LASUED, also expressed concern over examination malpractice.

He noted that more than 4,000 cases of fingerprint manipulation were recorded during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“Cultism has spread beyond tertiary institutions to secondary schools, exposing young people to violence, intimidation and trauma.

“Negative peer pressure and aggressive behaviour are pushing many adolescents into truancy, unsafe sexual practices and other forms of misconduct.

“Cybercrime, popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo, is endangering the future and moral character of many adolescents,” he said.

The don said that adolescents were growing up in a highly digital age, in which widespread access to smartphones and the internet provided opportunities for learning and innovation.

He added that these also exposed them to risky and unethical online practices.

According to him, cybercrime among adolescents include online fraud, identity theft, hacking, cyberbullying and other internet-enabled scams.

“This behaviour is often driven by peer influence, curiosity, the lure of quick wealth and limited awareness of legal and moral consequences.

“Involvement in cybercrime not only harms victims but also damages the future, reputation and moral character of the perpetrators,” he said.

Daodu said that preventing cybercrime required digital literacy, moral instruction, firm law enforcement and positive engagement in productive online ventures.

The professor described cybercrime as one of several harmful behaviours that are palatable poison confronting adolescents.

He listed other threats as including drug abuse, social media addiction, examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, negative peer pressure and aggressive behaviour.

Daodu said that excessive use of social media was exposing adolescents to distraction, cyberbullying, anxiety and reduced self-worth.

He stressed that addressing adolescent challenges required the collective efforts of parents, teachers, counsellors, religious leaders, policymakers and the wider society.

The don called for stronger counselling services, affordable and inclusive education, moral guidance and effective law enforcement to help adolescents navigate the challenges of modern life.

He urged governments to enforce laws protecting adolescents from abuse, exploitation, child labour and early marriage, while also creating policies that promoted youth development and employment opportunities.

The professor of Counselling Psychology recommended early moral education to teach values such as honesty, discipline, respect and responsibility from childhood.

He called for the provision of safe recreational spaces including sports centres, libraries and youth hubs, where adolescents could engage in productive activities.

He noted that addressing poverty and inequality was critical, as many risky behaviours were linked to economic hardship.

Furthermore, he urged governments and non-governmental organisations to implement poverty alleviation programmes targeted at vulnerable families.

Daodu also advocated strict enforcement of laws against child abuse, trafficking, drug distribution and the recruitment of adolescents into criminal activities. (NAN)

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