The federal government has inaugurated a newly reconstituted special committee tasked with combating social vices in Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary institutions, appointing renowned scholar and diplomat, Prof Jerry Ugokwe, as its chairman.

The committee is mandated to intensify efforts in eradicating cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice, and other vices threatening the integrity of the nation’s educational system.

Originally inaugurated in 2024 by former Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the committee was recently disbanded and reconstituted to reinvigorate the campaign against these growing challenges.

During the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon, emphasised the committee’s critical role amid the rising incidence of social vices in schools across the country.

The committee comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), student leaders, and civil society groups. Members have been urged to serve with dedication and integrity in achieving the committee’s objectives.

A Professor of governance and legislative studies, a two-term member Federal House of Representatives, Ugokwe brings his vast experience in youth development initiatives to tackle the menace of social vices plaguing educational institutions in Nigeria.

He is expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the committee as it continues to tackle the menace of social vices in the country.

The reconstitution of the committee and the changes in leadership is coming at a time when the nation is grappling with rising cases of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and other antisocial behaviors that threaten the fabric of Nigeria’s educational institutions.

While accepting to chair the committee, Prof Ugokwe said the committee would leave no stone unturned in the bid to eradicate the pervasive challenges of drug abuse to the insidious threat of human trafficking.

“We will confront each challenge head-on with unshakable resolve and unconditional determination,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of collaboration, noting that the battle is not what the committee could fight alone.

Ugokwe said: “This is not a battle we can fight alone. We need the collective support and active participation of every Nigerian to succeed in our endeavor. 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.

“We shall host a National Anti- Social Vices Summit on 26th July 2025 in Abuja. We shall proceed to hold a Zonal ANTI- Social Vices Summit across the Six geo-Political zones. It will be a convergence of all Stakeholders in the Educational Institutions across Nigeria to make bold statements against the menace of social vices in our Institution.

“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, cyber crime, 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 want to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. President His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon for the reconstitution of 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 the 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.”