Assessment of Peer Influence and Drug Abuse Among Undergraduate Students at a Federal University in Ogun State

Peer influence is widely recognised as a primary risk factor for substance use initiation among university students, and understanding its specific mechanisms in Nigerian higher education is essential for targeted prevention programming. This study assessed the relationship between peer influence and drug abuse among undergraduates at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 320 undergraduate students from four faculties, selected using stratified random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire measured peer influence dimensions (peer pressure, peer modelling, peer norms) and self-reported drug use (alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, and other substances). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were applied. Results showed that 47.2 percent of respondents reported having used at least one prohibited substance in the preceding academic year. Peer modelling was the most strongly correlated influence factor (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), followed by peer pressure (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) and perceived peer norms (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). Male students showed higher drug use prevalence than female counterparts (55.4 percent versus 38.9 percent). Students residing in off-campus accommodation had significantly higher substance use rates than those in school hostels. Awareness and utilisation of drug counselling services on campus was low at 18.3 percent. The study recommends strengthening university counselling centre drug prevention programmes, peer educator training, and targeted interventions for off-campus students at Ogun State federal universities. Keywords: peer influence, drug abuse, undergraduate students, Ogun State, substance use prevention