The Presidency has pledged full support for a special committee tasked with tackling rising social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions, hailing its work as vital to the nation’s future.
Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with the committee, chaired by Professor Jerry Ugokwe, at the State House, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila expressed confidence in the panel’s integrity and capacity, warning that youth indiscipline—from cultism and drug abuse to exam malpractice and cybercrime—poses a growing threat.
“Young people are often described as the future, [but] deliberate and coordinated action is required to secure that future,” he said.
The Chief of Staff called for a “whole-of-society” response involving parents, teachers, clergy, and communities, adding: “It takes a community to raise a child … We cannot sit back and do nothing and expect this country to grow or develop if you do not start from the foundation.”
In a statement by the Director of Information at the Presidency Biodun Oladungoye, he also linked the effort to government youth-focused reforms, urging innovative approaches and promising collaboration, including CSR funding from corporations and potential budget allocations.
In a show of commitment, the Chief of Staff announced a ₦50m seed donation, starting with ₦25m.
In his remarks, Professor Ugokwe welcomed the backing, outlining the committee’s mandate to run sensitisation campaigns, promote discipline, and partner with authorities on security and welfare.
Since its launch, the committee has held events in Edo and Kwara states and seeks approval for a national rollout at the State House.
Sunday Asefon, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on student engagement, highlighted the urgency, citing a student’s recent drug-related death.
He noted initial budget support from the education ministry for 2025 and plans for wider programmes despite resource constraints.
The multi-stakeholder panel aligns with President Tinubu administration’s youth development goals amid global concerns over youth behaviour.
