Professor Jerry Ugokwe has been appointed as the new chairman of the Federal Government’s special committee on the battle against social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions, which will spearhead stepped-up efforts to combat cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and exam malpractice.
The group, which was officially launched in Abuja on Friday by Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, is anticipated to set a new direction for tackling the escalating problem of antisocial behavior in Nigeria’s educational system.
The original group, which was abolished this week and reorganized to redouble efforts to combat social vices in Nigerian schools, was established in 2024 by former Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu.
Asefon emphasized the committee’s significance during Friday’s inauguration, pointing to the increased prevalence of social vices in secondary and higher educational institutions nationwide.
Among others, the committee consists of representatives from civil society organizations, student leaders, the Nigeria Police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. To guarantee that the committee’s goals are met, newly appointed officials have been advised to pursue the task with commitment and integrity.
It is anticipated that Professor Ugokwe, a seasoned academic and diplomat, will contribute new insights and initiative to the committee’s work.At a time when the nation is struggling with rising rates of drug misuse, cultism, cybercrime, and other antisocial behaviors that jeopardize the foundation of Nigerian education, the reconstitution and leadership shift take place.
n his acceptance speech, Professor Ugokwe vowed that his committee would leave no stone unturned in the effort to eradicate the pervasive challenges — from drug abuse to the insidious threat of human trafficking
— stating, “We will confront each challenge head-on with unshakeable resolve and unconditional determination.”
A professor of governance and legislative studies and a two-term member of the Federal House of Representatives, Ugokwe brings significant experience in youth development to the role.
He underscored the importance of collaboration, noting, “This is not a battle we can fight alone. We need the collective support and active participation of every Nigerian to succeed. We must join forces, pool our resources, and work hand-in-hand to create a society where our children can grow and thrive, unencumbered by the shackles of social ills.”
Professor Ugokwe announced that a National Anti-Social Vices Summit would be held on July 26, 2025 ,in Abuja, followed by Zonal Anti-Social Vices Summits across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. He said the summits would bring together stakeholders in education to make a bold statement against the menace of social vices in institutions of learning.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual has access to quality education, where our youth are empowered to become change-makers without the distraction of cultism, drug addiction, cybercrime, examination malpractice, among others. This is not just a dream; it is an achievable reality—and it begins here, today, with each of us.
“As I conclude my acceptance speech, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Senior Special Assistant on Students Engagement, Hon Sunday Asefon, for reconstituting this Special Committee on Campaign
Against Social Vices and for their trust in us.
“I pledge to work tirelessly, guided by the principles of justice, equality, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation. Together, we shall triumph over the forces of social vices and emerge victorious — as one united and resilient people,” Ugokwe declared.
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