Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has reaffirmed the Presidency’s support for the Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, describing its mandate as critical to Nigeria’s future.
Gbajabiamila gave the assurance on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, during a meeting with members of the committee led by its Chairman, Professor Jerry Ugokwe.
He expressed confidence in the committee’s integrity and capacity, noting that its designation as a “special committee” underscores the importance of its task, which focuses on the moral and social development of young Nigerians.
The Chief of Staff warned that rising social vices among youths pose a serious national concern, stressing that safeguarding the future requires deliberate and coordinated action.
“It takes a community to raise a child… We cannot sit back and do nothing and expect this country to grow or develop if we do not start from the foundation,” he said.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that tackling the problem requires a whole-of-society approach involving parents, teachers, religious leaders, communities and relevant institutions. He also highlighted the link between law and morality, describing moral reorientation as fundamental to addressing social vices in schools and campuses.
He assured the committee of the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate, including mobilising support from corporate organisations through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and exploring budgetary provisions.
As a demonstration of personal commitment, Gbajabiamila announced a ₦50 million seed donation to support the committee’s work, to be released in two tranches beginning with ₦25 million.
Earlier, Professor Ugokwe expressed appreciation for the audience and described the initiative as a structured presidential intervention aimed at addressing cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime and related offences in educational institutions.
He said the committee’s mandate includes promoting discipline and responsible leadership, organising sensitisation campaigns, and recommending policies to strengthen student welfare, campus security and academic excellence.
Ugokwe noted that since its inauguration, the committee has held engagements in Edo and Kwara States as part of its nationwide campaign, and appealed for logistical support for a proposed national launch at the State House Conference Hall.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon, highlighted the urgency of the intervention, citing incidents linked to drug abuse among students.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education has made budgetary provisions for the committee in the 2025 fiscal year and stressed that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader youth development agenda.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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