Sa’adu Zungur University orients new Social Science students on campus life, drug abuse, career development

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Sa’adu Zungur University, has organised an orientation programme for newly admitted students at its Yuli Campus, aimed at familiarising them with campus rules, academic expectations, career pathways and the dangers of drug abuse.

Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty, Musa Adamu Wunti, described the Faculty as “the centrepiece of social engineering,” noting that the growing interest in political, social and economic knowledge explains the large student population in the faculty.

According to him, the orientation was deliberately designed to guide students on “what to do and what not to do” while on campus, and to create a coordinated forum where rules and regulations governing the institution, examinations and administration are clearly explained.

“Every system has laws, statutes and regulations. It is the right of the students to hear these regulations directly from us. When they understand the consequences of their actions and inactions, it helps to prevent violations. We are not planning to punish anyone; rather, we want to prevent misconduct through proper information,” Dr. Wunti said.

He added that the faculty, for the first time, invited a drug control agency to interact with students as part of efforts to address wider social problems such as banditry, militia activities and gangsterism.

“Drug abuse is the source of many social problems we see outside the university. This is a deliberate effort to provide solutions by educating our students early,” he stated, expressing confidence that many participants benefited from the programme.

Also speaking, Wasilu Sulaiman, who presented a paper at the programme, said his presentation focused on preparing students for life after graduation. He explained that introducing students to proper etiquette and career awareness from their first year would help them compete globally.

“The essence of this orientation is to expose students to the realities of life after the university. They are here to be trained, and that training must have a clear endpoint,” he said.

Dr. Sulaiman disclosed that following the introduction of career services in Nigerian higher institutions, he now serves as a director in that area, providing coaching, counselling and preparation for students ahead of their work life after graduation.

On drug abuse, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Valed Daniel, warned students against the use of both illegal drugs and unconventional substances.

He explained that some substances, though not officially classified as illegal, can have the same harmful effects as hard drugs.

“There are unconventional substances people abuse, and even if we don’t arrest users, the effects are the same as taking illegal drugs. I advised the students to stay away from drugs and focus on their studies, which is why their parents sent them to school,” he said.

Daniel added that the agency carries out sensitisation programmes across mosques, churches, markets, motor parks and traditional institutions, describing drug abuse as a serious national problem that requires collective action.

The orientation programme provided a platform for new students to better understand university life, personal development and responsible conduct, as the institution continues its efforts to mould disciplined and socially responsible graduates.