The 13th Annual Health Week of the University of Lagos Medical Center continued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with a public lecture highlighting the rising trend, evolving patterns and associated risks of substance abuse among adolescents.
Held at Afe Babalola Hall, UNILAG, Akoka, the event themed “Substance Abuse Among Adolescents and the Youth: Stemming the Tide” was more of an advocacy for spirited efforts among stakeholders to tame the scourge and protect adolescents from the hazardous effects of substance abuse.
In her remarks to flag off the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, appreciated the rank and file of UNILAG Medical Center for their commitment and support for the campus community. She was particularly excited over the center’s screening of every single student of the university for dangerous substances, as this has helped in sustaining awareness and keeping UNILAG free from such dangerous drugs.
Represented by the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor Ademola Oremosu, the UNILAG Vice Chancellor applauded the choice of the theme which she described as timely and prompt intervention to the evolving trend of substance abuse among the country’s teeming youths.
According to her, the public lecture will address the ugly scourge of substance abuse and educate participants to make informed choices especially as it relates to their health, emotional, mental and psychological well-being.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the public lecture will also serve as a guideline in policy formulation, practice and productive engagements which will stem the tides of substance abuse across all strata.
In her remarks to welcome participants, the Director, UNILAG Medical Center, Dr (Mrs) Olayinka Coker, adjudged the 13th Annual Health Week as a celebration of years of resolve and overwhelming feats in providing quality healthcare services to the campus community despite challenges.
She said the public lecture was another bold step in the center’s commitment to the general well being of the University community members, and ongoing efforts to discourage substance abuse among students.
The public lecture which centered on the event’s theme was delivered by a Counselling and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Mustapha ‘Toyin Sanbe (Consultant in-charge, Sanbe Memorial Counselling Clinic, Surulere, Lagos).
His presentation covered the causes, effects and factors leading to the persistent scourge of substance abuse especially among youths in the society.
While expressing strong reservations over the series of legislation outlawing narcotics and other harmful substances across Nigeria, Dr ‘Toyin Sanbe advocated focus on discouraging demand as a way of de-marketing supply.
He also solicited the establishment of peer groups, clubs, societies and teams among adolescents, with the mandate of creating and promoting awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.
The Counselling and Clinical Psychologist warned against substance abuse, and encouraged those at any stage of addiction, to seek help to get rid of the habit and reverse it’s effects.
Activities marking the 13th Annual Health Week of the UNILAG Medical Centre kicked off on Monday, December 1, 2025 with a sensitization and awareness walk around the University about HIV/AIDS. Click here for details.
Events will climax on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with a Free Medical Screening/Wellness Seminar scheduled to hold at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Islamiat Akanni
