FCE Abeokuta Begins Awareness Campaign Against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Handling of Mental Health Issues

Federal College of Education, Abeokuta in the Ogun State capital has commenced an awareness campaign to address the growing concerns of cultism, drug abuse, and mental health issues among students

The one-day seminar titled "Beyond the Books: The Students' Well-being," 

held at the Kunle Filani Hall of the College on Wednesday 16th July, 2025, brought together students, staff, and experts to discuss the pressing issues affecting students' lives.

Provost of the college, Dr. Rafiu Soyele who emphasized the Importance of Responsible Citizenship, also stressed the importance of grooming students into responsible citizens. 

He urged them to stay disciplined and avoid destructive behaviours like cultism and drug abuse, emphasising that such actions could have far-reaching consequences on their lives and futures

The guest speaker, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Popoola Moromoke Zipporah of the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a compelling presentation on the four dimensions of well-being - mental, physical, emotional, and social. 

She identified hard drugs like tramadol and marijuana as significant threats to students' well-being, often triggered by peer pressure, curiosity, and stress. 

ACP Popoola advised students to develop self-worth, resist negative influences, and engage in positive communities, highlighting the role of NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WAR-DA) club in promoting drug-free lifestyles.

The second speaker, Dr. Titiloye Peluola, shed light on the dangers of cultism, explaining that secret cults often recruit members through coercion, leading to violence, riots, and psychological trauma. 

He attributed cultism to poor parenting, moral decay, and a quest for power, among other factors.

 Dr. Titiloye recommended stronger advocacy, communal moral training, high levels of discipline, and the involvement of social workers as key solutions to combat cultism.

The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students and staff raised pressing concerns that were duly addressed by the speakers.

 The event provided a platform for participants to engage with experts and share their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta Anti-Cultism and Religious Matters Committee was commended for organising this timely seminar, which promised to have a lasting impact on the students' well-being and academic success.