“If you are a man that sags, you are most likely taking drugs.”
Reported by: Izuchukwu Obi and Jolique
The fresher’s orientation program which continued today,Tuesday 3rd of February, 2020took place at the The Great Hall with the topic: DRUG, SAFETY, SECURITY, ANTI CULTISM AND SOCIAL VICES, had so many Freshers in attendance. The program commenced around 10am with introduction of dignitaries within and outside the university community.
The event commenced with a speech delivered by the orientation chairman, Prof. O. A. Usman where he implored every fresh student to be mindful of their behaviour. He said, “Being a student does not make you above the law. I will therefore implore you to be of good behaviour as a university community is not a place to breed rascals.”
Dr. Olabiyisi explained how he graduated from LAUTECH in the year 1999 and got employed in 2000 before obtaining his doctorate degree in 2013. He said, “for me to have been employed in the same university I graduated from, it means they must have seen a series of good behaviour and character in me.” He therefore implored students to cautious of the company they keep and the hostel they live in because most students get involved in immoral acts like robbery, cultism, examination malpractices, cyber-crimes etc., as a result of where they live as a fresher, majorly because LAUTECH is nonresidential institution and as such, students cannot be properly monitored. He talked about the consequences of getting involved in examination mal practices where he made mention of EMP (Examination Mal-Practices Panel), a body initially operated by the Senate where any student involved in exam mal practice will be confronted with evidence and if convicted, will be penalized with suspension and expulsion.
Dr Olabiyisi said any student caught in the act of exam malpractice shall be handed over to the Student Disciplinary Committee as there will be stiff penalties for such student.
He concluded by saying excellence, integrity and service should be every students watchword and guiding principle as the university is no place for indolence.
The Dean Student Affairs, Dr Azeem Ige’s speech was on the basis of getting the best of the university, he gave tips on how to graduate with the best certificate. He said attending lectures, adequate preparation for tests and exams, and staying away from bad friends will give some student an edge above others. He said that students can improve themselves by engaging in professional courses as this will improve their chances of being employed upon leaving the university.
The DSA spoke on the security of all student. He said, “You are your own security personnel. Be conscious of what will happen to you in the next minute” he also urged student to always talk to people on issues bothering them. He said “Do not die in silence, always talk to people as a problem shared is half solved.”
The Area Commander of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), spoke about drugs, safety, security and anti-cultism in LAUTECH. He gave some typical examples of drugs frequently used amongst students, some of which may include, Squish (a mixture of Tramadol, cocaine, marijuana, amongst others), cannabis or Indian hemp, tramadol, codeine, skunk, Kush, Kolorado, etc.
He said that students take these drugs and eventually become addicted because of its accessibility. These drugs can be found in joints, garages, hostels and hotels. Many students frequent these places to get their fix which could lead to them constituting a menace in the environment.
Caffeine, he said, is also addictive. 95% of all caffeine is consumed in the form of tea/coffee, and about 1.5 billion cups of tea are consumed every day. He reiterated that taking drugs could lead to severe consequences. Some of which includes liver, kidney and lung damage, as well as physical and mental deterioration. He said, “in order to be safe, one must avoid drugs.”
He also said that HIV infections is prevalent amongst drug abusers. Heroine addicts for example, would inject themselves with the same syringe. This could lead to the transmission of the virus and many other diseases that could lead to death if not treated. Methamphetamine, another drug frequently abused, would in time lead to rottening of the teeth and degradation in physical appearance; loss of hair, shrunken cheeks, bodily scarring, etc.
He ended his speech on the issue of spotting a drug addict. He said that hair styles and mode of dressing are tell-tale signs of drug addiction. “If you are a man that sags, you are most likely taking drugs.” He added that this is not always the case as people who dress decently have still been found to take drugs.
More pictures below
Edited by: GreyGray
Union of Campus Journalists, LAUTECH.
