UBTH's Prof. Ize-Iyamu Advocates Against Student Drug Abuse

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), called on government authorities to urgently address the increasing issue of drug and substance abuse among secondary and tertiary students. This appeal was made during a courtesy visit to Dr. Washington Osifo, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu stressed the necessity for deliberate and sustained interventions, including confidential student screening and counselling for early intervention. She introduced UBTH’s newly launched Drug Testing Centre, capable of testing for over 14 substances, as a crucial resource for managing drug-related challenges.

The CMD proposed routine screenings in schools to facilitate early identification and support for affected students. She expressed a desire to collaborate with the Edo State Ministry of Education to implement these initiatives.

Dr. Osifo acknowledged the hospital's efforts in identifying societal challenges and assured the state government's willingness to collaborate on this initiative.