"SCIENCE STUDENT".... A CATCH PHRASE REFERRING TO PEOPLE WHO INDULGE IN DRUG ABUSE AND INGESTION OF TOXIC CHEMICALS.
A repetitive catch phrase is an important element of a street anthem. The science student slogan is used to describe youths who have wantoned with the ingestion and smoking of strong chemicals with an aim of getting “high.”
A popular Nigerian musician Olamide of the YBNL Records has made this slogan become a popular anthem on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria.
From prehistoric times, man has tried to use some natural existing substances to complement or escape from the pleasant and unpleasant features of life. Nigeria is where the drinking of palm wine, locally brewed alcohol (like gogoro and brukutu), and chewing of stimulating plants had existed for many ages. Street history has it that after WWII in the 4os, some veterans introduced Cannabis, which the seeds were claimed to be brought from India. Among its popular names are "Indian hemp", "ikong ekpo", "ikpo", "aku", "Solomon’s leaf of wisdom", "sha" etc.
In the 70s and 80s cocaine, heroine and opiods like (codeine, morphine etc) was introduced to add to this trend. In the 90s came volatile solvents or inhalants (gasoline, aerosol, nail polish removal, petrol, glue and bytul nitrate etc.). These solvents when inhaled, goes straight from the nose to the brain, heart and lungs with instant intoxication.
According to a publication on Vanguard,
“Today, ingenuity has been introduced into drug abuse with complex mixtures, experimentations and new discoveries. This has resorted to the abuse of lizard dung (especially the whitish part), pit toilet/soak away fumes (bio generic gas), “goskolo” a concoction of unimaginable substances, robin blue powder cocktail, “gadagi” (a substance resembling tea leaves), pharmaceutical products (tramadol, rohypnol) and many more. Codeine containing cough syrup mixed with soft drinks is gradually taking over alcohol in youth parties."
These realities led to the coining of the slogan “Science students”. An estimated 40% of Nigerian youths are science students.
A cross section of science students in Nigeria. Photo credit: Olamide Adedeji
Improved technologies have assisted the mass production of these drugs, making them so cheap and affordable for most youths on the Nigerian streets. Drug abuse among youths is significant to Nigeria’s Medical, Social and Economic problems narrowed down to our personal problems which could in turn cause our reliance on various substances to feel good in our small world. I took some time to think through how to discourage our youth from becoming “science students”, I mean experimenting with drugs and intoxicating chemicals.
The youths are our future leaders and the future of our great nation depends on them. Are we looking at having people who have been wrecked by drugs and intoxicating substances to become our leaders? Are we looking at having leaders with serious negative psychosocial characters? If so, then Nigeria as a country will crash as an air plane with lunatic pilots and hosts.
One in every five Nigerian homes do have one or more science students. The big question here comes: How do we discourage our youths from experimenting with drugs and other intoxicating chemicals? I will really appreciate if you comment with your thoughts on how to discourage drug abuse among youths. Myy own thoughts is geared towards these directions:
Predisposing factors to drug abuse
This may include curiosity, peer pressure, frustration, ignorance, lack of parental care etc. Identifying and addressing these factors will serve us well instilling the fear of the negative effects of drugs in the early lives of our youths. One thing I understand about drugs is this, it is better not tried than tried and try to leave.
The Consequences of drug abuse
This may include poverty (poor economic condition), wastage of resources, violence, rape, suicide, larceny, cultism, thuggery, armed robbery, and various anti social vices etc. Drug abuse is a concern of every person.
Addressing drug abuse problems
Collective efforts is required to solve drug abuse problems especially in a highly populated country like Nigeria. This is a war that should involve families, educational institutions, religious institutions, government, friends and the individual.
Let’s join join the street ambassadors like Olamide Adedeji (baddosneh on instagram), DonJazzy and every other criers to say no to drug abuse.
If you're having a black time and probably looking for some substance to lighten up and feel good, the below videos of some science students trending the Nigerian social media will give you the excitement and humor you need. Feel good laughing.
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