The Federal Government has reconstituted its Special Committee on the Campaign Against Social Vices in secondary and tertiary institutions, appointing Professor Jerry Ugokwe as chairman to spearhead renewed efforts against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and examination malpractice.
The committee was formally inaugurated on Friday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon, who stressed the growing urgency of addressing the rising tide of anti-social behaviour in Nigeria’s education sector.
The former Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, had in 2024 inaugurated the initial committee, which was disbanded last week and reconstituted to reinvigorate the fight against social vices in Nigerian educational institutions.
During the inauguration on Friday, Asefon emphasised the importance of the committee, citing the rising level of social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.
The new committee comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), student unions, and civil society organisations, among others. Newly appointed officials have been charged to uphold integrity, commitment, and a clear sense of purpose.
Professor Ugokwe, a scholar and diplomat with years of experience, is expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the committee’s work.
The reconstitution and change of leadership come at a time when the country is grappling with increasing incidents of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and other antisocial behaviours that threaten the fabric of Nigerian education.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Ugokwe vowed that his committee would leave no stone unturned in the effort to eradicate the pervasive challenges — from drug abuse to the insidious threat of human trafficking
— stating, “We will confront each challenge head-on with unshakeable resolve and unconditional determination.”
A professor of governance and legislative studies and a two-term member of the Federal House of Representatives, Ugokwe brings significant experience in youth development to the role.
He underscored the importance of collaboration, noting, “This is not a battle we can fight alone. We need the collective support and active participation of every Nigerian to succeed. We must join forces, pool our resources, and work hand-in-hand to create a society where our children can grow and thrive, unencumbered by the shackles of social ills.”
Professor Ugokwe announced that a National Anti-Social Vices Summit would be held on July 26, 2025 ,in Abuja, followed by Zonal Anti-Social Vices Summits across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. He said the summits would bring together stakeholders in education to make a bold statement against the menace of social vices in institutions of learning.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual has access to quality education, where our youth are empowered to become change-makers without the distraction of cultism, drug addiction, cybercrime, examination malpractice, among others. This is not just a dream; it is an achievable reality—and it begins here, today, with each of us.
“As I conclude my acceptance speech, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Senior Special Assistant on Students Engagement, Hon Sunday Asefon, for reconstituting this Special Committee on Campaign
Against Social Vices and for their trust in us.
“I pledge to work tirelessly, guided by the principles of justice, equality, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation. Together, we shall triumph over the forces of social vices and emerge victorious — as one united and resilient people,” Ugokwe declared.
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