The Kwara State Government says it is targeting about 86,400 students through its “Unplugged Teachers Training” programme, designed to equip educators with the skills to curb drug abuse among students.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known while declaring open the two-day training programme, organised in partnership with the MTN Foundation. He was represented at the event by his Senior Advisor and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu.
So far, 30 secondary school teachers have been trained by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) during a stakeholders’ workshop held in Ilorin. According to the governor, the state plans to scale up the training to 1,440 teachers, with the goal of reaching approximately 86,400 students across schools in Kwara.
During Wednesday’s technical session, UNODC facilitators engaged teachers on strategies to discourage students from experimenting with drugs.
One of the trainers, Maria Ilugbuhi, explained that the teachers were introduced to 12 lessons under the Unplugged programme, including decision-making, social skills development, and resilience-building.
“The ultimate goal of this training is to reduce drug and substance use among students. Teachers were also taught how to support students struggling with addiction and prevent others from starting. We want students with drug-related challenges to feel comfortable approaching their teachers for counselling,” she said.
Another facilitator, Adebomi Adekunle, stressed that the training would enable teachers not only to prevent drug use but also to assist students already affected by it.
Some of the participants described the workshop as highly beneficial. Nuhu Kabiru Wada of Baptist Grammar School, Okuta, said: “The experience is unique because, as parents, we are also invested in creating a drug-free society.”
Adebayo Rashidat of Queen Elizabeth School noted: “This training is very educative and an eye-opener. We are now better equipped as teachers and parents to prevent drug abuse among students.”
Olanipekun Pius of Offa Grammar School added: “We have learned how to counsel students on the dangers of drug abuse. This programme is crucial, given the contribution of drug abuse to various social and security challenges in our society.”
Kudos to the Governor for this initiative
Kudos to the Governor for this initiative