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Cybercrime, Drug Abuse Threatening Future Of Nigerian Adolescents — Expert
A Professor of Counselling Psychology at Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Morufu Daodu, has disclosed that about 14.
Daodu made this known on Wednesday while delivering the institution’s third inaugural lecture held at Oto-Ijanikin in Lagos State.
Speaking on the topic, “Stormy Seas of Adolescence: Stakeholder Contract in the Advancement of Normalcy,” the professor revealed that in some parts of Nigeria, one out of every three secondary school students consumes alcohol.
He further stated that studies showed a 17.3 per cent lifetime prevalence of substance use among high school students.
The don, who also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, of LASUED, expressed concern over the growing rate of examination malpractice in the country.
According to him, more than 4,000 cases of fingerprint manipulation were recorded during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He noted that cultism had expanded beyond tertiary institutions into secondary schools, exposing adolescents to intimidation, violence and emotional trauma.
Daodu added that negative peer pressure and aggressive behaviour were pushing many young people into truancy, unsafe sexual behaviour and other forms of misconduct.
He also warned that cybercrime, popularly called Yahoo-Yahoo, was threatening the future and moral values of many adolescents.
The professor explained that although adolescents are growing up in a digital age where smartphones and internet access provide opportunities for learning and innovation, such exposure also encourages risky and unethical online practices.
He listed online fraud, hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying and internet scams among common cybercrimes involving adolescents.
According to him, such acts are often driven by peer influence, curiosity, the desire for quick wealth and poor understanding of legal and moral consequences.
Daodu stressed that cybercrime not only affects victims but also damages the reputation, future and moral standing of those involved.
He said tackling cybercrime would require improved digital literacy, moral instruction, strict law enforcement and the engagement of youths in productive online activities.
The professor described cybercrime as one of several harmful behaviours confronting adolescents, alongside drug abuse, social media addiction, examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, negative peer pressure and aggressive conduct.
He also observed that excessive social media use exposes adolescents to distractions, anxiety, cyberbullying and low self-esteem.
Daodu maintained that addressing adolescent-related challenges requires the joint efforts of parents, teachers, counsellors, religious leaders, policymakers and the larger society.
He called for stronger counselling services, affordable and inclusive education, moral upbringing and effective law enforcement to help adolescents cope with modern-day challenges.
The don also urged governments to enforce laws protecting adolescents from abuse, exploitation, child labour and early marriage, while promoting policies that support youth development and employment opportunities.
In addition, he recommended early moral education to instill honesty, discipline, respect and responsibility in children from a young age.
Daodu further advocated the establishment of safe recreational centres such as sports facilities, libraries and youth hubs where adolescents can engage in productive activities.
He emphasised that poverty and inequality remain major contributors to risky behaviours among young people.
The professor therefore urged governments and non-governmental organisations to implement poverty alleviation programmes targeted at vulnerable families.
He also called for strict enforcement of laws against child abuse, trafficking, drug distribution and the recruitment of adolescents into criminal activities. (NAN)
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