Effects of Drug Abuse on Students’ Academic Performance in Senior Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State

This study investigates the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Substance abuse among Nigerian adolescents has emerged as a growing public health and education concern, with reports of increasing use of cannabis, codeine cough syrup, and other substances in secondary school communities across the South South zone. In Akwa Ibom State, anecdotal reports from school counsellors and teachers indicate rising substance use among students, yet empirical evidence on its academic consequences remains limited. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with anonymous questionnaires administered to 400 Senior Secondary School Two and Three students across 20 schools in Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene. Drug use patterns were self-reported using a structured instrument adapted from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency school survey tool. Academic performance was assessed using students' most recent cumulative grade point averages. Chi-square and regression analyses were applied. Results reveal that students reporting regular drug use demonstrate significantly lower academic performance, higher absenteeism, and greater disciplinary record frequency than non-users. Peer influence and stress management were the most commonly cited initiation reasons. The study concludes that drug abuse is a significant academic risk factor among secondary school students in Akwa Ibom State. It recommends that school counsellors implement structured substance abuse prevention curricula and that the state education board integrate drug awareness into the school health education programme at all secondary levels.

Keywords: drug abuse, academic performance, senior secondary school, Akwa Ibom State, substance use.