Tackling the Impact of Drug Abuse on Mental Health of Nigerian
Students

Addressing the Intersection of Drug Abuse and Mental Health: Piquant Health Foundation's Twitter Space Event

Over 900 participants tuned in on Saturday, April 26, 2024, as the Piquant Health Foundation (PHF) hosted a thought-provoking Twitter Space focused on addressing the intersection between drug abuse and mental health among Nigerian students.

The event commenced promptly at 10:00 AM with a welcome address by Mr. Adebayo and Mr. Jubril of PHF, setting the tone for an engaging and impactful conversation. Dr. Kalu Agada, Founder of PHF, gave the opening remarks, recounting a poignant story of a young man named Joseph who tragically lost his life to suicide. He shared how his own personal struggles with mental health inspired the establishment of PHF, an organization that has since reached over 94,000 Nigerians across universities, secondary, and primary schools.

"Our mission is a movement, a revolution for mental health awareness and education," Dr. Agada emphasized. "Mental health challenges are not the end of the road. People can fall into it and recover."

Keynote Address: Mental Health as a Foundation for Nation Building

Delivering the keynote speech, Mr. Peter Esanju, Co-founder of PHF, stressed that mental health is a critical yet often neglected pillar of national development.

"While we focus on physical infrastructure like roads and the economy, we ignore the mind—the true foundation of a nation's growth," he stated. Citing WHO statistics and a 2024 report from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health, Esanju highlighted that over 60 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions, with only 10% accessing care.

He warned that the surge in mental illnesses, often worsened by drug abuse involving substances like codeine and tramadol, threatens Nigeria’s prosperity. "If we want a thriving nation, we must start by healing the mind," he urged.

Expert Discussions

Dr. Michael Uko, the first speaker, explored the connection between drug abuse and mental health challenges among students. He revealed that 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64 abuse drugs, often due to factors like unemployment, socio-economic pressures, and the search for performance enhancement. He pointed to severe consequences, including increased crime, anxiety, and concentration issues. Sharing a tragic case of a doctor who succumbed to drug abuse due to work stress, Dr. Uko emphasized that anyone can be vulnerable. He advocated for a multi-system approach involving campaigns, stakeholders, and grassroots efforts to combat the crisis.

Mr. Toyyib, the second speaker, drew from his personal experiences growing up in Mushin, Lagos, and battling mental health issues abroad. He underscored the scarcity of support systems in Nigeria compared to what he benefited from in the UK. "Don't get in; getting out is harder," he warned, urging youths to seek supportive communities and resist peer pressure. He also emphasized amplifying opportunities and creating more safe spaces to prevent the internalization of struggles, particularly in socio-economically challenged areas.

Interactive Session and Key Takeaways

During the interactive session:

• Participants discussed early warning signs of mental health struggles and addiction, such as behavioral, physical, and community changes.

• Dr. Uko advised that every Nigerian university has a Guidance and Counseling Unit and religious fellowship centers as entry points for help.

• Questions on coping with peer pressure and navigating societal trends of smoking and drinking were thoroughly discussed, with Mr. Toyyib emphasizing that true "coolness" lies in maintaining one’s values.

The program concluded with a lively panel session where participants shared personal stories and debated ideas. Dr. Kalu Agada delivered the vote of thanks, reiterating PHF’s commitment to expanding mental health education and support across Nigeria.