Police
…ex NYSC DG, Major General Kazure chairs committee
The federal government, Thursday,set up a special committee to eradicate social vices in secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the country.
The Special Committee on Campaign against Social Vices in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, which has the former Director General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC and Deputy Vice Chancellor,Nigerian Army University ,Major General Suleiman Kazure (Rtd), as chairman, is aimed at addressing the growing concern of social vices plaguing educational institutions across the country.
The terms of reference of the committee constituted by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement,are to “Combat social vices among Nigerian students through comprehensive and collaborative approach;Raise awareness, promote positive values and provide support to students; and fostering a generation of ethical, responsible and successful young Nigerians.”
The social vices include drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, and academic dishonesty.
Minister of State for Education,Dr Yusuf Sununu,who inaugurated the committee in Abuja,thanked the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement,Sunday Asefon, for rising to
the challenge to confront the monster of social vices in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Noting that government will not relent in its efforts in striving to reposition the education sector in Nigeria, the minister said government’s plans and efforts will be a mirage if the menace of social vices in tertiary institutions was not curtailed.
According to him,” this Special Committee is coming at no better time than now in this era of abuse of social media and multiplicity of information.”
The minister spoke further:”The negative influence of the contents of some of these information as well as peer pressure on our students have had exponential consequences which are injurious to our societal values and national peace.
“It is stating the obvious that the tertiary institutions exist within the larger society. In recent times, there has been an increase in the cases of indiscipline in our institutions and we are all concerned on how to confront the ugly phenomenon. Government will not relent in its efforts in striving to reposition the education sector in Nigeria. However, Government’s plans and efforts will be a mirage if the menace of social vices in our tertiary institutions is not curtailed.
“We have come to a point that we need to salvage the situation. The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President has risen to the challenge to confront the monster of social vices in our tertiary institutions. This, the Office has done by constituting a Special Committee as its strategy to address the concern.
“I wish to commend The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on this initiative which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government. Equally of commendation is the handshake extended to the Ministry by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant in addressing these social vices in our higher institutions of learning.
“It is stating the obvious that the tertiary institutions exist within the larger society. In recent times, there has been an increase in the cases of indiscipline in our institutions and we are all concerned on how to confront the ugly phenomenon. Government will not relent in its efforts in striving to reposition the education sector in Nigeria. However, Government’s plans and efforts will be a mirage if the menace of social vices in our tertiary institutions is not curtailed.”
While informing members of the committee that their consideration was based on their track record of being exemplary in conduct and being above board,the minister urged the appointees to bring their experience and competence to bear on the assignment.
” Also, the Chairman of the Committee, the work before your Committee is enormous which entails devising a new strategy to the approach in the campaign and collaborating with both local and foreign partners for support,”he added.
Responding on behalf of members, Chairman of the committee, Major General Suleiman Kazure,(Rtd), thanked the federal government for considering them worthy to carry out the task of eradicating social vices in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
He pledged to lead the committee with honesty and transparency, saying “we must acknowledge the complexity of these issues and engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders – students, university community among others.”
General Suleiman Kazure said:”I accept the chairmanship of this crucial committee. I want to specially appreciate eminent personalities and patriots who accepted this onerous national call to serve in this committee with me in a bid to rescue our students who are the future of our beloved nation.
“The task before us is monumental, yet the potential impact on the future of our young generation and our nation is indeed transformative. The challenges we face are undeniable, research has shown that some Nigerian students on campuses and in secondary schools exhibit different traits, which are one of the most troublesome social problems in the nation today. Not only does these affect their performances in class, but they also lead to rampant aggression which hinder societal growth and stability.
“Social vices such as drug abuse, inappropriate dressing, rape, prostitution, cybercrime, cultism related activities, sexual harassment, academic dishonesty, theft, unlawful possession of arms, robberyhooliganism, thuggery, destruction of school property, dropping out of school and joining outlawed gangs among others presents great concern to parents, government and non-governmental organizations.
“We need to acknowledge that if nothing is done with absolute sincerity of purpose, determination, joint responsibility and commitment to address the emerging social vices in our educational institutions, We shall continue to experience a morally decadent and decline of ethics and values in our citadel of learning and by extension in our nation.
“We must appreciate the boldness and commitment of The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Comr. Sunday Asefon in conceptualizing this noble idea that culminated to President Tinubu establishing this vital committee to address these vices in our Institutions.
“The formation of this Committee was motivated by government’s concern and desire to address the growing concern of social vices plaguing our educational institutions across the country. It is a decisive step to address and mitigate the various problems associated with crimes and aggressive behaviours in Nigeria educational institutions. It is hoped these efforts will have profound effects of supporting our students, their staff, and members of their adjacent communities to succeed, within the context of the nation’s history and cultures.”
According to him,”We believe that students are not just passive recipients of solutions, but active agents of change. We will engage them in the design and implementation of our initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.”
Kazure said moving forward, the committee “shall propose for the immediate installation of CCTV Cameras in and around all Secondary schools and Tertiary institutions in Nigeria;Work to effect Immediate Ban on Music, movies and contents that promote Social Vices among our students and youths and propose in consultation with stakeholders for immediate registration of off campus lodges and hostels accommodating tertiary students nationwide.”
He also said the committee “shall work towards the establishment of security post and deployment of personnel in all off-campus lodges and hostels accommodation of our students;propose a mandatory drug test for undergraduate students in all educational Institutions and work with stakeholders to grant amnesty to repentant cultists and Yahoo boys in tertiary institutions and ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into useful citizens.”
On his part,the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon,who decried the rate of social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions in the country, said:”These vices cast a shadow over the vibrant environment of our tertiary institutions and hinder the development of our future leaders.”
He explained that President Bola Tinubu was “deeply committed to safeguarding the future of Nigerian students.
While reminding members of the committee that the weight of responsibility they carry was significant,he said:” You are entrusted with developing and implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate students about the dangers of social vices and promote positive values.”
He tasked them:”You will collaborate with tertiary institutions to strengthen security measures and create an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
“To the students of Nigeria: This committee is here for you. We believe in your potential and the Government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is here to empower you to make positive choices.
“Engage with the committee’s initiatives. Seek help if you struggle with addiction or face negative influences. Remember, a brighter future awaits you, and you hold the power to shape it.
“Let’s us work together to eradicate social vices from our institutions. Let us foster a culture of academic integrity, respect, and personal responsibility.
“With unwavering dedication and collaboration, we can create a future where Nigerian students thrive, not just academically, but as a responsible and ethical citizen of Nigeria.”
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