CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
It is ideally accepted to use some drugs under certain circumstances as benign and even beneficial practice through connection to social and individual situations. According to Emmanuel and Valentine (2017) the use of drugs like Benylin with codeine, Tutolin with codeine, for medical purposes like whooping cough is not a drug abuse but becomes abuse only when it is geared towards producing some desired behaviours, physical dependency, addiction and/or constitute a nuisance to the society. Meanwhile, Abdullahi (2009) opined that the term substances/drugs is a abroad name that is not restricted to oral therapy (i.e. injection, capsules or tablets) but includes marijuana, alcohol as well as traditional alcoholic drinks like ogogoro, burukutu, fito and bammi.
Indeed, it is well established that Nigerians make use of different substances/drugs just in the same way as this is done in many other societies. The population in Nigeria avails itself of drugs when the occasion warrants them just as other populations in the world do. However, any use of drugs out of consultation or recommendation is regarded as drugs abuse. Kalunta (2009) observed that drugs are abused in Nigeria simply because they are used without due authorization from formally qualified and registered persons who according to the laws of the land must approve their use.
Drug abuse, according to Egbochuku, and Akerele (2007) is the wrong use or inappropriate use of chemical substances that are capable of changing functions of cells in the body. This observation is borne out by several studies on illness behaviour among Nigerians. According to Kalunta (2009) the most common substances/drug abuse in Nigeria are marijuana, amphetamines, mandrax, proplus, barbiturates and codeine that have negative effects to the youths, immediate society and Nigeria at large.
Today drug abuse or drug addiction is one of the most vexing and pervasive problems that almost all countries including Nigeria; are grappling with in as far as administration and management of schools is concerned. The consequences on the young teenagers are disastrous and devastating especially the negative effects in schools and the communities. Buttressing this fact, Amadi & Akpelu (2018) observed that drug abuse has been aggravated by the rapid social and technology changes which have had a corrupting influence on the youth in schools. The monster is a real threat to the youth; parents; schools and the economies of the world countries that could rely on the valuable youth potential that is being robbed by drugs. Therefore, it has also translated to an impediment in as far as the management of schools is concerned. Drug abuse is a global health and social problem. It is one of the major problems affecting the youth both in school and out of school. It seems to have impacted negatively on the academic, social, psychological, economical and physiological development among the abusers (West and Graham, 2005).
Ajayi and Ekundayo (2010) posited that drug abuse has been identified as a serious constraint to effective teaching; administration of schools and learning process in the Nigerian educational system. According to Chinkere and Mayowa (2011), series of school surveys from 2008-2013 have been taking on the effect of drug abuse among learners in schools. Amadi & Akpelu (2018) noted that young people (aged 11 to 19 years) have used drugs while at school and have got into trouble with the school law or the police. The surveys have also found that, as pupils get older they tend to think the effects of drugs is less worrying, they keep living that way until their life become endangered. This implies that the youth are not safe with this kind of attitude and particularly those at school (The 2009/2010 British Crime Survey). Therefore it has become a matter of grave concern to educational stakeholders, medical practitioners, sociologists, religious leaders, counsellors and parents thus needing urgent attention (Adewuya, 2005). Hence, the essence of study is to examine the effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government, Oyo.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Drug abuse is a common phenomenon among secondary school students in Nigeria (Amadi & Akpelu 2018). It has also been noted that parents, peer groups, and society at large contribute to the alarming rate of drug because drugs are easily accessed in our society. The secondary schools rampantly experience acts of vandalism, weapon carrying, rape, examination malpractices, school violence, strikes, bullying, cultism, truancy, and school drop-outs and other anti-social behaviour as a result of their intake of hard drugs (Orija, 2008). The intake of hard drugs are capable of affecting the state of the body and mind by either depressing or stimulating the central nervous system or producing other biochemical harm to the society at large. Series of studies have confirmed that drugs abuse has affected student’s concentration thereby impeding his/her interest in academic work, unredeemable juvenile delinquency, and disobedience to teacher and school administrator. These have posed a threat in the administration and management of schools. In connection to that, it has been observed that the academic performance in public secondary school students in Oyo West has also remained low for a couple of years despite the efforts put by the Government in enhancing teaching-learning activities in schools for better learning outcome; still there is a great challenge of academic performance among the public schools in Oyo West Local Government. Therefore, the study intends to gain insight into the challenges by tracing it to the drugs consumption among the students in the study area.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
Specifically, the study intends to examine the effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government, Oyo. Thus, the study is therefore objectively generalised on:
1. Identifying common types of drugs abused by students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government.
2. Exploring the causes of drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government.
3. Examining the effects of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government.
1.4 Research Questions
For the success of the objectives of this study, the study draws the following research questions which serve as guide for the study:
1. What are the common types of drugs abused by students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government?
2. What are the causes of drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government?
3. What are the effects of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government?
1.5 Significance for the Study
It is hoped that the findings that would be obtained by the researcher might be useful to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Office of the Governor as well as the concern Federal Ministries in guiding programs in drug abuse among the students in secondary schools in Oyo state. The study might provide useful information to the policy makers on possible ways in dealing with drug abuse, not only in secondary schools but also in other learning institutions.
It is hoped that the findings of this study would be useful to the school administrators and counsellors to come up with the way forward in reducing the effects of drug abuse in our schools. Finally, it is hoped that the finding of the study would be served as acquaintance to teenagers and adults in the community on understanding of the negative effect of drug abuse on not only their mental alertness but also, on their general well-being.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study is exclusively focused on examinations of the effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government, Oyo. Thus, the study is restricted to public junior and senior secondary schools in the study area. Connecting to the above, the study focused on drugs abused by the students, the causes and the effects on their academic performance.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Academic performance: It refers to the extent to which student, teacher, or an institution has attained their short or long-term educational goals. (Kolawole and Lawal, 2018)
Drug: Drug is defined as any substance that when taken into a living body causes reactions or sometimes modifies it’s psychological functioning. (Cambridge Advance English Dictionary - 2012)
Drug abuse: This refers to the unlawful use of certain chemicals for the purpose creating pleasurable effects on the brain. (Anderson, 2016 revised edition)
Effect: Effect is defined as the impact or influence that an event, situation and so on, has on someone or something. (Cambridge Advance English Dictionary - 2012)
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the review of existing conceptual basis in order to set current study into a new perspective and join ongoing discourse and empirical study. The chapter focuses on the review of the following: Theoretical Framework, concept of drug use and drug abuse, common drug and substance usually abused by Students, causes of drug abuse, and effects of drug and substance abuse on students’ life and their academic performance.
2.1 Theoretical Framework
The Modified Social Stress Model (MSSM)
This study adopted the Modified Social Stress Model (MSSM). The Modified Social Stress Model (MSSM) for understanding drug use guides this study (ESCAP, 2000). The model was developed by Rodes and Jason (1988) and modified by the World Health Organization/Programme on Substance Abuse (WHO/PSA) to include the effects of drugs or substances, the personal response of the individual to drugs and additional environmental, social and cultural variables. Research has shown that in order to prevent substance abuse, two things must be taken into consideration: factors that increase the risk of developing the problem must be identified, and ways to reduce the impact of these factors must be developed. This theory maintains that risk factors are those factors that encourage drug use. Factors that make people less likely to abuse drugs are called protective factors. The key to health and healthy families is increasing the protective factors while decreasing the risk factors.
According to this model, if many risk factors are present in a person’s life, that person is more likely to begin, intensify and continue the use of drugs. The model identifies risk factors as including: stress (which could be due to the school or home environment, and adolescent developmental changes); the normalization of substance use which could be seen in terms of legality and law enforcement; the availability and cost of drugs; and advertising, sponsorship and promotion through media, as well as the cultural value attached to various drugs. The more protective factors that are present, the less likely a person is to become involved with drugs. Protective factors are identified as: attachments to people such as family members and peers, and institutions such as religion and school; physical and performance capabilities that help people succeed in life; the availability of resources, within the person or the environment, that help people meet their emotional and physical needs; positive role models; and anti-drug campaigns along with guidance and counseling services.
According to this model, it is easier to understand the drug problem if risk and protective factors are considered at the same time. Probability of drug abuse is determined by these factors and this framework is useful as a way of planning interventions to prevent or treat problems related to drugs. It is important to note that the factors listed above are not exhaustive. The presence of risk and protective factors is context dependent and the proportions of their contribution depend on their intensity in given situations.
2.2 Concept of Drug Use and Drug Abuse
In medicine, drugs refer to any substance with the potential to prevent or cure diseases (Orija, 2008). According to Njeru & Lewis (2014) drugs can be legal or illegal; drug abuse refers to non-medical use of drugs. A substance is considered abused if it is deliberately used to induce physiological or psychological effects or both for purpose other than therapeutic ones and when the use contributed to health risks or some combinations of these. The use of drugs like Benylin with codeine, Tutolin with codeine, for medical purposes like whooping cough is not a drug abuse but becomes abuse only when it is geared towards producing some desired behaviours, physical dependency, addiction and/or constitute a nuisance to the society (Emmanuel, and Valentine, 2017).
Drug, when properly used or taken into a living organism, produces the desired result and many modify one or more of its functional parts. It is usually prescribed by a medical practitioner. Such substances are either of vegetables, mineral or animal origin. They could be prepared for the human body that produces the desired result into the treatment of diseases and ailment (Amadi, and Akinpelu, 2018).
According to Abdullahi (2005), the term substance/drug is a abroad name that is not restricted to oral therapy (i.e. injection, capsules or tablets) but includes marijuana, alcohol as well as traditional alcoholic drinks like ogogoro, burukutu, fito and bammi.
Olumni (2012) opined that “drug abuse” may be defined as the “arbitrary” over dependence or miss-use of one particular drug with or without a prior medical diagnosis from qualified health practitioners. Drug abuse is the harmful use of mind altering drugs. It added that the term usually refers to problem with illegal drugs, which also include harmful use of legal prescription drugs, such as in self-medication. Majority of the Nigerian adolescents ignorantly depend on one form of drug or the other for their various daily activities-social, educational, political moral and so on, such drugs include: tobacco, indian hemp, cocaine, morphine, heroine, alcohol, ephedrine, madras, caffeine, glue, barbiturates, and amphetamines”. Onajole (2010) submitted that on reception of drug abuse amongst Nigerian undergraduates, addiction is one of the major consequence of drug abuse, characterized by compulsive drug craving and seeking behaviours that persist even in the face of negative consequences. These changes are maladaptive and inappropriate to the social or environmental setting, therefore may place the individual at risk of harm. Drug use among youths and adolescents should be a matter of concern to all Nigerians especially the socially, government, school heads, religious leaders, groups and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) (2007) submitted that drug abuse is rapidly growing global to become problem. The problem of drug abuse places a significant threat to the social, health, economic fabrics of the families, society and the entire nations. Giade (2012) observed that almost country in the world is affected from one or more drug being abused by its citizens. The increase of drug abuse globally has brought problems such as increase in violence and crime, increase in Hepatitis B and C virus, increase in HIV/AIDS diseases, and collapse of the veins and in the social structure.
Horrible youthful activities are widespread in Nigeria to the extent that they have been giving a lot of concern to the society, government and other stake holders in Nigeria. In primary schools, peers engage in organized crimes and disrupt normal academic programs. In secondary schools and most Nigerian Universities, the activities of secret cults are known to have been source of threat to lives and property. Outside the schools, a lot of ritual killings are taking place (Abudullah, 2005). The impact of drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents has been a feature of a morally bankrupt, corrupt and wasted generation and loss of our societal values and ideals. The situation now appears to be such that no one can claim ignorance of what is happening. Meanwhile, according to Giade (2011) we cannot sit and illegitimately pretend on the menace of drug abuse among our adolescents. Any nation being used by drug barons as a transit rout has the potentials of becoming a drug abuse consumer’s country. Drug abuse threatens the security of every nation, tearing a apart our societies, spawning crime, spreading diseases such as aids and killing our youths and our future.
Experiment with drugs during adolescence (11-25 years) is common. At this age they try so many new things. They use drugs for many reasons, including curiosity and desire to find out the effectiveness of a particular drug, to feel good, to reduce stress, or to feel grown up. Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age increase the risk of using other drugs later. World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Heart Foundation (WHF) data, posited that in Nigeria, 22.1 percent of school youth age between 12 to 17 years use tobacco. The government of Nigeria seems to lose sight of its responsibilities, though it claims that tobacco should be regulated in a market oriented framework, which strikes an optimal balance and the need to ensure healthy death from Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD), lung cancer and other tobacco related diseases (Giade, 2011). Already, Nigerian adolescents are being offered cigarettes through promotions and musical concerts. Some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally without significant problems, while others will develop addiction, moving on to more dangerous and hard drugs and causing considerable harm to themselves and the society at large.
Despite the effort of many concerned individuals and organizations to curb this menace, many individuals and organizations still present these drugs as though they are harmless. They give them slogans such as “for greatness” “for brighter life” reports from all over the world about this menace of drug abuse are severe. The British Officer for National Statistics reported that 12 percent of pupils aged 11-15 years had used drugs. Amphetamines are used among student (Oshodi, Aina, & Onajole, 2010) Barbiturates are used by adolescents with suicidal tendencies rather than for addictive purpose. Madras abuse once reached epidemic proportions among students (Abudu, 2008). However, cannbis (marijuana) appears to be the most commonly abused drug by the adolescents. (United Nations Organization Drug Council (UNODC 2011).
2.3 Common Drugs and Substances usually Abused by Students
According to Aina and Onajole (2010), marijuana is the most commonly used substance followed by tobacco, alcohol, ephedrine and other caffeinated substances such as nescafe and red bull.
In a study carried out by Amadi, and Akpelu in (2018), it was revealed that alcohol and hot drinks were mostly abused drugs by the students as they were used indiscriminately in every gathering. The students smoke tobacco at any time as they always create opportunity to do so. Indian hemp is taken on a regular basis by students. The students were also involved in incessant consumption of marijuana to enable them engage in nefarious activities.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2000), alcohol is the most abused psychoactive drug in the United States with approximately 90% of students using it before they leave high school. In Nigeria a report by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) (2008) found that alcohol is also the most commonly abused drug with about 61% of the population engaging in its use. The same report indicated that 40.9% of students were abusing alcohol in Nairobi Province and 26.3% in Central Province. According to Perkinson (2002), alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and dulls the brain making learning a difficult task. When students abuse alcohol their reasoning becomes impaired and education becomes of less priority in their life.
Research by Nte (2008), found that 37% of the students in Bayelsa State were abusing tobacco products. Tobacco products are readily available in Nigeria. Research in Australia revealed that bhang smoking leads to the use of other more serious drugs. In the Bayelsa state it was found out that 5.3% of the students were smoking bhang (Oshodi, 2010).
2.4 Causes of Drug Abuse
Robins (2010) in his book documented that the history of drug abuse could be traced to the urge of man wanting to have power to relieve tension, satisfy his needs obtain occasional release from problems and the need to find a cure to some ailments. All those have contributed to drug use, abuse and addiction. The use of drugs by man is as old as man himself. Through-out recorded history, drug has been in use long before this medical and recreational intoxicating and self-induce relief from psychic pain and emotion. The early history of drug is inseparable from the early history of medicine (Oshodi, 2010).
Corroboratively, Idown (2018) noted that most traditional drugs are always misused or abused because of lack of dosage to determine the quantity required by the users, the expiration period is not stated. Substances that are today referred to as drugs originated from herbs and other natural chemicals caffeine which is the main ingredient in tea or coffee and nicotine as in stimulant and tension relieving drugs. They are considered socially acceptable and used recreationally.
However, Kalunta (2000) submitted that addiction to drug produce dependence are also known to cause harm. Other dugs although are used medically for the treatment of one ailment or the other may also cause problems for individual. Examples of such drugs are psychoactive drugs or sedative prescribed but may be abuse thus causing addiction and harm. There are different causes of drug which include stimulant such as cocaine, tobacco or coffee, depressants such as alcohol and other substances of depressants such as heroine, morphine and opiates and the last one is hallucinogens.
People takes drugs in an attempt to control sleep or energise themselves, most adolescents and young ones start experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, ephedrine and other caffeinated substances such as nescafe and red bull. Some of the reasons for the drug abuse, as identified by Ajayi and Ekundayo (2010), are to reduce pain, anxiety and tension, ignorance and misinformation, parental background, urge to commit crimes, peer group influence, isolation and loneliness
Oshodi, Aina and Onajole (2010) reported that, despite worldwide concern and education about psychoactive substances, many adolescents have limited awareness of their adverse consequences. They further explained that curiosity, social pressure and peer group influence are noted to be primary reasons for substance misuse. Makanjuola, Daramola and Obembe (2007), Aina and Olorunsola (2008), and Buddy (2009) lamented that a substantial percentage of the national budgetary allocation is utilized for treatment and rehabilitation of people with substance use problems in Nigeria.
Correlating the above, Linhadt (2011) also opined that students see the use of stimulants in positive terms for relief from pain and problems, elevation of mood, wakefulness, increased confidence, feeling and psychomotor activities and athletics, and feeling of euphoria. McCrystal, Higgins and Percy (2017) confirmed that for many adolescents, drug abuse has now become a part of their lives and perhaps may have now contributed to their academic failure.
2.5 Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse on Students’ life and their Academic Performance
Drug abuse could be viewed from different perspectives depending on the focus under view. According to Agwusike (1990), drug abuse is the use of drugs above the prescribed dosage and for the purpose other than for the original prescription Salamatu (2019) also defined drug abuse as self-treatment of physical ailment which would result from ignorance. The society of doctors and pharmacist warned at the uncontrollable ways and manners in which the drugs are sold to the public in our markets and medical stores which are contributory factors to drug abuse.
Drugs other than those for common pain are taking by people for personal desire, especially, for some coded purpose, such as: sexual energy, work energy and so on. Njeru & Lewis (2014) reported in their study findings that 52% of students believed that drug abuse causes poor performance as 30% agreed that their colleagues who abuse drugs develop aggressive behaviour. Meanwhile, Blandford in Chinkere and Mayowa (2011) noted that drug abuse has become a stumbling block to the students learning behavior which is essential element in educational practice. 10% of the students believed that drug abuse contributes to withdrawal syndrome as they do not interact with them while 8% believed that drug users are ever violent. The results imply that drug abuse to students is tantamount to poor performance as the objectives of education to students are over run by aggressive behaviour, violence and withdrawal. It becomes impossible for such students to concentrate on studies or even interact with fellow students or teachers
According to Morton (2018), great misfortunes have resulted as a result of drug abuse and addiction examples series of road accidents that have claimed lives of men. Drug addicts when severely under the influence of drugs walked along the street half naked and perform perpetual acts like rape, assassinations and murders.
People generally misuse or abuse drugs because the substance alter the mode of behavior of an individual. Over the years, the use of hard drugs like tobacco, sedatives, Indian hemp, cocoa leaves, alcohol, cocaine to mention but a few have drastically been on the increase especially in this part of the word (Africa). The dependence or addiction, which is psychological, is characterized by the complication to take drugs on a continuous or periodic basis in order to experience its mental effect.
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and cocaine also are considered drugs when someone is addicted to it. He/she you continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug and addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations and for some people; the drug use becomes more frequent. For others particularly with opioids drug addiction begin with exposure to prescribed medication or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication (Richard, 2018).
Furthermore, Richard (2018) explained that the risk of addiction and how fast one becomes addicted varies by drug. Some drugs such as tramadol have a higher pain killers than others. As time passes one may need large dose of the drug to get high. Soon one may need the drug just to feel good. As drug use increases one may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go off the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense craving and make one feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms). Such a person may need help from doctor, family, friends support groups or an organized treatment program to overcome drug addiction and stay drug free.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2009) reported that risk of exposure to substance abuse has become one of the factors that influence the development of the burden of disease. It was also noted that one-third of the disease burdens of adults can be associated with behaviours that began in adolescence. WHO (2009) further stressed that alcohol may have more immediate and severe effects on young people because their muscle mass is smaller than that of adults. Oshodi, Aina and Onajole (2010) also stated that extensive use of caffeine has been associated with brain fatigue syndrome, a culture-bound syndrome among West African students. They noted that brain fatigue syndrome usually presents poor study assimilation, functional somatic complaints involving the head and neck region, and visual disturbances.
In their own contributions, Adamson, Onifade and Ogunwale (2010) lamented that the trend of more adolescents using drugs (with the age of drug users getting younger) has been reported earlier. Early drug abuse has been associated with more severe addiction, delinquency, criminality, and psychological and behavioural problems. Igwe and Ojinnaka (2010) also reported that the rates of psychiatric disorders are much higher among adolescents with current substance abuse and have been replicated in many studies. They concluded that substance-abusing adolescents seem to have a high prevalence of mental health symptoms compared to their peers who do not use substances.
Extensively, Olley (2018) discovered that use of alcohol contributes 25% to the total explanatory power of sexual-risky behaviours among adolescents which exposes them to a higher risk of HIV/AIDS and other STD infections. Science and Nutrition (2009) also noted that excessive chewing of kola, consumption of bland coffee and other substances to stay awake, could lead to addiction and substance abuse. Sanni, Udoh, Okediji, Modo and Ezeh (2010) identified vandalism, drug abuse, weapon carrying, alcohol abuse, rape, examination malpractices, school violence, bullying, cultism, truancy, and school drop-outs as anti-social behaviours often associated with juvenile delinquents.
Tuwei (2014) in his study on influence of drug abuse on students’ academic performance in public universities showed that alcohol abuse influences on academic performance such as heavy drinking which has got a negative effect. Marijuana abuse was said also to directly impair academic abilities that limit academic performance and the minority of students who were daily on marijuana dealt with highly segregated ways of behavior were noted to involve in criminal behaviors such as breaking laws or when individuals involved in crime acted to fund their drug abusers (Tuwei, 2014). Also, the findings showed that tobacco uses led to lack of studies’ concentration, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, dodging classes, physical weakness, and rejection from the friends. At the same time school administrators who were interviewed also provide the effects of drug abuse such as; Irresponsible citizens, theft, school dropout high rate, poor in academic performance, indiscipline, poor health, and individual negligence. These aspects are slowly said to lead to drop out, expulsion from school and poor academic performance. On top of that, barbiturate users were adversely affected in terms of mental health (Tuwei, 2014).
In his results, abuse of barbiturates stood at 24% in colleges. These drugs tended to make the user moody, anxious and impulsive according to his findings. Also the researcher discovered that low academic performance was caused mostly by anxiety and restlessness. But also the use of these drugs wasted academic time since students had to visit hospitals frequently and for longer time therefore leading in a drop in academic performance (Tuwei, 2014).
Symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Feeling that one has to use the drug regularly
- Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
- Over time needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Taking large amount of the drug over a large period of time than one intended
- Making certain that one maintains a supply of the drug
- Spending money on the drug even through one cannot afford it
- Continuing to use the drug, even though one knows it is causing problems in one’s life or causing one’s physical and psychological harm.
- Not meeting obligations, situations, studies, work responsibilities or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use (Abdullahi, 2011).
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the procedure used in carrying out this study. It includes research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, research instrument, validity and reliability of the instrument, methods of data collection and the analytical tools employed in the study.
3.1 Research Design
Descriptive method of survey type was employed in the study. The design attempted to examine the effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government, Oyo. Thus, the researcher tried to gather data on the identified research problem without manipulating any of the variables in the study.
3.2 Population of the Study
The target population for this study comprises all secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government of Oyo State.
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques
The study employed simple random sampling technique. In the local government, record proved that there are 11 public secondary schools, thus, the study would adopt simple random sampling to pick 6 schools among the population. Correlatively, statistics proved that there are 3312 male and 3419 female students in public secondary schools in the study area. The study therefore randomly picked 20 students in each school. In other words, total sample for the study consist 120 students that were randomly picked in the following 6 schools in Oyo West Local Government of Oyo State. The schools randomly picked are: Baptist Commercial High School, Isokun, Oyo; Community Secondary School, Idi Ope, Oyo; Army Children Secondary School, Ojongbodu, Oyo; Fasola Grammar School, Fasola, Oyo; Ansar-ur-Deen High School, Opapa, Oyo; and Ladigbolu Grammar School, Ladigbolu, Oyo.
3.4 Research Instruments
The instrument that was used for the study is “a structured questionnaire”. The Questionnaire is divided into two sections. Section ‘A’ provided Demographic Information of the respondents and, while section B focused on research questions and key for the responds are: Strongly Agreed=SA, Agreed=A, Strongly, Disagreed=SD and Disagreed=D.
3.5 Validity of the Instruments
The instrument was subjected to both face and content validity to ensure that they measured what they were expected to measure. Face validity entails looking at questionnaire and deciding if it really measures what it expected to measure. Content validity on the other hand, has to do with the use of recognized subject matter experts to evaluate whether questionnaire assess defined content.
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
The reliability of the instrument was ascertained through a test/re-test method. The instrument was first administered to 10 students who were not used for the study. After six weeks, the instrument was re-administered to the same set of students. The scores of the two tests were correlated using chi-square table value with Significant at alpha value 0.05. The result of the two calculated value is 1.02 while the critical value on the chi-square table value at one degree of freedom at 0.05 level of significant is 1.54. This indicates that the instrument was reliable.
3.7 Method of Data Collection
Permission was sought from the schools and the participants were enlightened on how to attend to the Questionnaire, the participants thereafter were asked to complete the questionnaire. Ethical issues of assurances will be given on the basis of confidentiality and discretion of the study. The participants were informed of the purpose of the study and its seriousness and they were encouraged to be truthful in their responses. The researcher administered the questionnaires with the assistance of one research assistant that assisted in the distribution and collection of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were collected from the participants and they were collated for proper data analysis.
3.8 Methods of Data Analysis
Data collected was analysed with the use of percentages and chi-square structure tools
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 DEMOGRAPHICAL DATA
Table 4.1: Gender distribution of respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage
Male 56 46.70
Female 64 53.30
Total 120 100.00
From table 4.1, it could be inferred that majorities of the participants were females with the percentages 53.3%.
Table 4.2: Distribution of Respondents based on Age Range
Age Range Frequency Percentage
10-14 years 42 35.00
15-19 years 73 60.83
20 years and above 5 4.17
Total 120 100.00
From table 4.2, it could be inferred that majorities of the participants were age between 15-19 years with the percentage 60.83%, followed by 10-14 years with the percentage 35.00%, then, 20 years and above with the percentages 4.17% respectively.
4.2 Analysis of Research Questions
Table 4.3: Respondents’ responses on the common types of drugs abused by students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government
S/N Items SA (%) A (%)
SD (%) D (%) Total
1 Students often take alcohol and hot drinks. 98
(81.67) 10
(8.34) 5
(4.17) 7
(5.83) 120
2 Students majorly smoke Indian hemp. 26
(21.67) 10
(8.34) 14
(11.67) 70
(58.34) 120
3 Students always smoke tobacco products, like cigarette. 100
(83.34) 6
(5) 8
(6.66) 6
(5) 120
4 Students regularly consume marijuana. 76
(63.33) 17
(14.17) 5
(4.17) 22
(18.33) 120
5 Students take caffeinated drugs like Nescafé and red bull. 89
(74.17) 13
(10.83) 7
(5.83) 11
(9.17) 120
Total 389 56 39 116 600
Group Size Degree of freedom 2
Cal 2
Table
SA 389 4 231.2 9.49
A 56 445
SD 39
D 116 155
Significant at alpha value 0.05
The table above indicates that calculated value is 231.2, while the critical value on the chi-square table value at 4 degree of freedom at 0.05 level of significant is 9.49. It is obviously seen, that the calculated value is greater than the critical value. Hence, it is evidently proved that is significant relationship between students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government and drugs abuse. This finding implies that students are involved in some common drugs abuse such as: alcohol and hot drinks, Indian hemp, tobacco products, like cigarette, marijuana, and caffeinated drugs like Nescafé and red bull.
Table 4.4: Respondents’ responses on the causes of drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government
S/N Items SA (%) A
(%) SD
(%) D
(%) Total
1 Students use and abuse drugs because they see their parents and peers taking drugs on some occasions. 75
(62.5) 18
(15) 10
(8.33) 17
(14.17) 120
2 Students abuse drugs to maintain emotional needs and urge to commit crimes. 68
(56.66) 27
(22.5) 15
(12.5) 10
(8.34) 120
3 Students take drugs to reduce pain, anxiety and tension. 90
(74) 11
(9.17) 8
(6.67) 11
(9.17) 120
4 Students engage in drug abuse to test the reaction on their body system. 88
(73.33) 16
(13.33) 8
(6.67) 8
(6.67) 120
5 Students take to drug abuse in order face to be active and awake to their academic work. 6
(5) 13
(10.83) 19
(15.83) 82
(68.33) 120
Total 327 85 60 128 600
Group Size Degree of freedom 2
Cal 2
Table
SA 327 4 87.76 9.49
A 85 412
SD 60
D 128 188
Significant at alpha value 0.05
The table above indicates that calculated value is 87.76 while the critical value on the chi-square table value at 4 degree of freedom at 0.05 level of significant is 9.49. It is obviously proved, that the calculated value is greater than the critical value. Hence, it evidently proved that there are significant causes of drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government. This implies that students abuse drugs due to itemized reasons.
Table 4.5: Respondents’ responses on effects of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government
S/N Items SA (%) A (%) SD
(%) D (%) Total
1 Lack of interest in studying 98
(81.67) 10
(8.34) 5
(4.17) 7
(5.83) 120
2 Poor academic performance and drop out 26
(21.67) 10
(8.34) 14
(11.67) 70
(58.34) 120
3 Decrease students ability to concentrate in class 100
(83.34) 6
(5) 8
(6.66) 6
(5) 120
4 Poor self-control and interpersonal relation among school mates. 76
(63.33) 17
(14.17) 5
(4.17) 22
(18.33) 120
5 Health problems such as headaches, sleepy, anxiety, and confusion. 89
(74.17) 13
(10.83) 7
(5.83) 11
(9.17) 120
Total 389 56 39 116 600
Group Size Degree of freedom 2
Cal 2
Table
SA 389 4 217.76 9.49
A 56 445
SD 39
D 116 155
Significant at alpha value 0.05
The calculated value is 217.76 while the critical value on the chi-square table value at 4 {four} degree of freedom at 0.05 level of significance is 9.49. It is obviously proved, that the calculated value is greater than the critical value. Hence, it evidently proved that there are negative effects of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government. This indicates that students’ poor academic performance was as result of their addiction to drugs.
4.3 Discussion of Findings
Research question one was on common types of drugs abused by students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government. From the findings of the study it was revealed that students often take alcohol and hot drinks; students majorly smoke Indian hemp; always smoke tobacco products, like cigarette; regularly consume marijuana and take caffeinated drugs like Nescafé and red bull. The outcome of this finding correlate with finding of Aina and Onajole (2010) that observed that marijuana is the most commonly used substance by students followed by tobacco, alcohol, ephedrine and other caffeinated substances such as nescafe and red bull. Also, with the study carried out by Amadi, and Akpelu in (2018), which revealed that alcohol and hot drinks were mostly abused drugs by the students as they were used indiscriminately in every gathering. The students smoke tobacco at any time as they always create opportunity to do so. Indian hemp is taken on a regular basis by students. The students were also involved in incessant consumption of marijuana to enable them engage in nefarious activities.
Research question two was on causes of drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that students use and abuse drugs because they see their parents and peers taking drugs on some occasions; they abuse drugs to maintain emotional needs and urge to commit crimes; they take drugs to reduce pain, anxiety and tension; they engage in drug abuse to test the reaction on their body system; and they take to drug abuse in order to be active and awake to their academic work. These results corroborate with the submission of Ajayi and Ekundayo (2010), that students take drugs to reduce pain, anxiety and tension, ignorance and misinformation, parental background, urge to commit crimes, peer group influence, isolation and loneliness. Also, Oshodi, Aina and Onajole (2010) reported that, despite worldwide concern and education about psychoactive substances, many adolescents have limited awareness of their adverse consequences. They further explained that curiosity, social pressure and peer group influence are noted to be primary reasons for substance misuse.
Research question three was on the effects of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that lack of interest in studying; poor academic performance and drop out; decrease students’ ability to concentrate in class; poor self-control and interpersonal relation among school mates; and health problems such as headaches, sleepy, anxiety, and confusion are the consequence of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government. The finding buttressed the comment of Adamson, Onifade and Ogunwale (2010) lamented that the trend of more adolescents using drugs (with the age of drug users getting younger) has been reported earlier. Early drug abuse has been associated with more severe addiction, delinquency, criminality, and psychological and behavioural problems. Igwe and Ojinnaka (2010) also reported that the rates of psychiatric disorders are much higher among adolescents with current substance abuse and have been replicated in many studies. They concluded that substance-abusing adolescents seem to have a high prevalence of mental health symptoms compared to their peers who do not use substances. Also, the finding of the study substantiate the study of Tuwei (2014) in his study on influence of drug abuse on students’ academic performance in public universities showed that alcohol abuse influences on academic performance such as heavy drinking which has got a negative effect. Marijuana abuse was said also to directly impair academic abilities that limit academic performance and the minority of students who were daily on marijuana dealt with highly segregated ways of behavior were noted to involve in criminal behaviors such as breaking laws or when individuals involved in crime acted to fund their drug abusers (Tuwei, 2014). Also, the findings showed that tobacco uses led to lack of studies’ concentration, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, dodging classes, physical weakness, and rejection from the friends. At the same time school administrators who were interviewed also provide the effects of drug abuse such as; Irresponsible citizens, theft, school dropout high rate, poor in academic performance, indiscipline, poor health, and individual negligence. These aspects are slowly said to lead to drop out, expulsion from school and poor academic performance. On top of that, barbiturate users were adversely affected in terms of mental health (Tuwei, 2014).
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
The study was on the on the effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Oyo West Local Government, Oyo. Three research questions were raised to guide and stimulate the study in an understanding position. However, the researcher reviewed all the available related literature and administered questionnaire to get relevant data from the respondents, the data were analyzed using chi-square method in chapter four of the study.
The study however, comprise of five chapter: chapter covered the background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objective of the study, scope of the study, research questions and definition of terms; chapter two of the study centered on the review of related studies on effect of drug use and abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students. Likewise, chapter three based on the research methodology adopted in carrying out the study; while in chapter four of the study, the data gathered from the respondents was analyzed and discussed. As it was revealed, common types of drugs abused by students in public secondary schools in Oyo West Local Government are: alcohol and hot drinks; students majorly smoke Indian hemp; always smoke tobacco products, like cigarette; regularly consume marijuana and take caffeinated drugs like Nescafé and red bull. Also, it was revealed that students use and abuse drugs because they see their parents and peers taking drugs on some occasions; they abuse drugs to maintain emotional needs and urge to commit crimes; they take drugs to reduce pain, anxiety and tension; they engage in drug abuse to test the reaction on their body system; and they take to drug abuse in order to be active and awake to their academic work. Consequently, it was revealed that lack of interest in studying; poor academic performance and drop out; decrease students’ ability to concentrate in class; poor self-control and interpersonal relation among school mates; and health problems such as headaches, sleepy, anxiety, and confusion are the effect of drug abuse on academic performance of secondary schools students in Oyo West Local Government. In chapter five of the study, the researcher summarized, concluded and makes necessary recommendations on the study.
5.2 Conclusion
From the outcome of this study, it is clearly evidence that the unpleasant effects of drug abuse are so glaring and conspicuous on not only the adults but also the students, especially among secondary school students. Drug abuse among secondary school students portends highest level of rascality and unprecedented loopholes in our educational system. Consumption of hard drugs and illicit drugs is on the increase among students; the improper use of drugs and intake of un-prescribed drugs are also common, and has brought woes and ruined so many dreams and future, particularly their academic performance in school. If this trend persists unchecked, the implication is that, it will render our education system useless; drug abuse is likely to create chaotic situation in education system because of its cancerous spread among the students. The students’ thought is drifted away from academic work as they concentrate more on where and how to engage in drug abuse. This creates physical and psychological dependency on drugs. They become uneasy and uncomfortable even in classrooms.
5.3 Recommendations
Based on the findings of the present study, there is a crucial need to address drug related problems affecting young learners. There is a need for students to receive moral and material support for their future benefits. Hence, the following recommendations are made:
• Students should be educated and enlightened about the dangers of drug abuse.
• There should be proper monitoring of the students who play along with the identified drug abusers in school and community.
• Parents and guardians should not directly or indirectly show or teach their children and wards that taking drugs is a way of life, and should endeavour to shield them from any environment prone to drugs.
• Parents and guardians should as much as possible find out the personality and identity of friends to their children.
• The school authority should regulate and prohibit the activities of students around bush paths and environs.
• Parents and guardians should painstakingly advise and warn their children and wards about the dangers of drug abuse and the consequences involved in associating with those engaged in drug abuse.
• Staff professional development should be organized for teachers to enhance their effort in understanding the activities of the students.
• The members of the communities should see it as a task to report any student involved in any incident of drug abuse to the parents or school authority.
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