Evaluation of Anti-Drug Abuse Health Education Programmes in Selected Secondary Schools in Gombe State

Drug abuse among secondary school students is an escalating public health and social concern in Nigeria's North East region, requiring coordinated and evidence-based school health education responses. This study evaluated anti-drug abuse health education programmes in selected secondary schools in Gombe State. A programme evaluation design was used, drawing on data from 180 students, 30 school health teachers, and 10 programme coordinators from 10 secondary schools in Gombe, Kaltungo, and Billiri local government areas. Structured questionnaires, interview guides, and programme document reviews were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results showed that schools with formally implemented anti-drug abuse programmes recorded lower self-reported rates of substance experimentation among students. However, programme quality was inconsistent, with most lacking standardised curricula, trained facilitators, and monitoring systems. Teacher confidence in delivering anti-drug content was low, particularly regarding newer synthetic substances. Only 40 percent of programme coordinators reported using evidence-based prevention approaches. The study recommended development of a state-validated anti-drug health education curriculum for secondary schools in Gombe State and systematic training of school health teachers in substance abuse prevention delivery. Keywords: drug abuse prevention, health education, secondary schools, Gombe State, evaluation