FG warns students against cultism, drug abuse in schools

THE Federal Government has warned students against involvement in cultism, drug abuse and anti-social vices that could destroy their future aspirations.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, gave the warning on Monday while declaring open the 14th edition of Federal Government Colleges Games (FEDCOL), held at Jos Township Stadium, Jos, Plateau State.

Over 4,290 students from the 104 Federal Government Colleges are participating in the five-day sporting fiesta.

Anwukah said the Federal Government has accorded priority sports development in schools in view of the significant role it plays in the mental development of students towards better academic performances and healthy living.

He added promotion of sports in schools would also help in charting a career path in sports for the students, in addition to enhancing social interaction and understanding among students as well as develop excellence in all institutions of learning.

He said: “Students are enjoined to reciprocate the good gesture of the government by engaging actively in sports and other extra-curricular activities and thus, eschew cultism, drug abuse and other anti-social behaviours in the school.”

The Minister told the students that sports was no longer a career relegated to the background and made to be chosen by school dropouts and mediocre, saying that a sport is one of the profitable careers an individual could choose.

He recalled a number of Nigerians who have done the country proud through their engagement in sporting activities including Blessing Okagbare, Azizat Oshoela, Chioma Ajunwa among others.

He further noted that in these days of the ethnic uprising and communal crises arising from lack of peace and good neighbourliness, sports could be used to foster peace and friendliness amongst the people.