Codeine crisis in Nigerian classrooms: The silent epidemic among students

By: Pharm Adeola Bakare

The misuse of codeine among Nigerian youth has often been associated with unemployed individuals in northern cities. However, a quieter crisis is emerging in an unexpected place: the classroom. Students in both secondary and tertiary institutions are increasingly turning to codeine, not for recreation but as a coping mechanism for academic pressure, social dynamics, and inadequate mental health support.

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

In 2018, a BBC documentary, Sweet Sweet Codeine, exposed the widespread abuse of codeine-laced cough syrups, prompting a nationwide ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). However, the drug never fully disappeared.

A 2019 study by the University of Ibadan found that 28.1% of medical and pharmacy students had used codeine-containing products, with 11% admitting to recreational use. By 2025, the trend has trickled down to younger students, including those in secondary schools. Reports from school counselors in Lagos and Abuja suggest that some students consume codeine in class, often diluting it in water bottles, or use it at home to stay focused during exam preparation.

Academic Pressure Driving Substance Abuse

Nigeria’s educational system is intensely competitive. Over 1.8 million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, yet only about 600,000 gain admission into tertiary institutions. Similarly, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a high-stakes test for secondary students. The overwhelming academic pressure, coupled with a lack of mental health support, has driven many students to self-medicate with codeine.

A 2021 study in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse highlighted that Nigerian students often turn to substances to manage anxiety and insomnia caused by academic stress. Unlike cannabis or tramadol, which carry a heavier social stigma, codeine is perceived as a safer option due to its pharmaceutical origins. This misconception, however, has led to dependency and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and nausea.

The Role of Peer Influence and Social Media

Academic stress is not the only factor fueling codeine misuse. The 2019 University of Ibadan study identified peer influence as a major contributor to substance use among students. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify this trend by glamorizing “hustle culture” and all-night study sessions, often ignoring the substances students use to sustain them.

Gender dynamics also play a role. While drug use has historically been higher among males, a 2017 UNODC report found that increasing numbers of female students are turning to codeine. Societal expectations for girls to excel academically—often to avoid bringing shame to their families—push them toward hidden coping mechanisms like codeine use, which is less conspicuous than other substances.

A Persistent Black Market

Despite the 2018 ban, codeine remains readily available. A 2021 Journal of Public Health in Africa review identified pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and drug hawkers as key sources of illicit substances. In 2025, black-market sales continue to thrive, with codeine syrups reportedly sold for as little as ₦500 per bottle near schools and universities. The lack of strict enforcement has allowed the illegal trade to persist.

Economic hardships further compound the issue. Inflation, which peaked at 34.2% in mid-2024, has left many families unable to provide emotional or financial support for struggling students. With healthier alternatives such as counseling out of reach for many, codeine has become an accessible escape.

Seeking Solutions Beyond Regulation

Addressing the crisis requires more than just bans and regulations. Schools must integrate mental health education into their curricula, with initiatives like the Group-focused Cognitive Behavioral Health Education Program (GCBHEP) teaching students healthier ways to cope with stress. The government should also enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, ensuring students with mental health challenges receive the support they need.

Public awareness campaigns should shift their messaging, avoiding fear-based narratives that alienate students. Instead, culturally relevant campaigns using local languages, radio jingles, and social media can encourage students to seek help rather than self-medicate. Community-based initiatives involving parents, teachers, and religious leaders can further normalize discussions about mental health in schools.

A Generation at Risk

The classroom should be a place of growth, not a breeding ground for opioid use disorder. If left unchecked, the rising use of codeine among students could lead to widespread addiction, not due to recklessness, but because of immense pressure and limited alternatives. Nigeria’s students deserve an education system that supports their dreams without pushing them toward substance abuse. The time to act is now.