Osun State University(UNIOSUN) has said it was imperative for enactment of drug policy in universities in the country to tackle substance abuse among youths.
The university’s College of Health Sciences, in a statement, urged the government to implement the National Health Promotion Policy for health development.
The College provost, Prof. Alebiosu Olutayo represented by Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, Prof. Victor Mabayoje, said, the Sustainable Development Goal SDG3, which is the goal directly related to health can only be achieved by promoting health.
“Nigeria is aware of the potential of health promotion for health development, as evidenced by the Goal of the National Health Promotion Policy which is ‘To empower the Nigerian populace to take timely actions in disease prevention, improving their health and wellbeing as well as taking measures that ensure a healthy society,” he said.
He noted that the federal, state and local governments must engage partner to address challenges of the country’s healthcare system.
“The community can sustain their own health, and people are always ready to put their money where their mouth is. Simple health education and promotion will do the magic. Primary Health Care centre models designed in alignment with the key principles of Alma matter are possible in Nigeria.
“Addressing Nigeria’s health challenges means investing in highly cost-effective health-promoting policies and interventions which have extremely high cost-benefit ratios,” he added.
He urged government to introduce drug policy in universities, adding substance use among youths has become worrisome.