SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADAMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GIDAN MADI, SOKOTO STATE

This study examined the effect of substance abuse on the academic performance of students in the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto State.. The study population comprised NCE II and III students of the College. A sample of 160 students was selected using an appropriate sampling technique. Data were collected using an adapted version of Jared’s (2018) Effect of Drug Abuse on Academic Performance Questionnaire (EDAAPQ). The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) and inferential statistics employing the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results revealed that substance abuse among students was significantly associated with school dropout tendencies, strained peer relationships, lack of interest in schooling, low concentration span, and declining grades. Overall, substance abuse showed a negative relationship with the academic performance of students in the College. The study recommended that the college management should establish drug-free clubs to raise awareness among students on the dangers of substance abuse. It also recommended that college management and parents should collaborate to reduce factors influencing students’ drug abuse by monitoring peer influence and liaising with neighbouring communities where such substances are readily accessible