THE EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE GROWTH OF CRIME IN NIGERIA
PROJECT INFORMATION
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Drug abuse is a matter of grave concern to educational stakeholders, medical practitioners, sociologists, religious leaders, counselors and parents. It is a national and international sensitive challenge that needs urgent attention due to the alarming rate of involvement of the youth.
Adewuya (2005) noted that alcohol is most widely used among young people. West and Graham (2005) also agreed that students, as a subset of the youth population, consume large quantities of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Ajake, Isangedihi and Bisong (2009) posited that premarital sexual practices and drug abuse constitute social ills that have been age-long problems in the secondary school system. Ajayi and Ekundayo (2010) equally confirmed that drug abuse has been identified as a serious constraint to effective teaching and learning process in the Nigerian educational system.
Drug abuse, according to Ajayi and Ayodele (2002), is the wrong use or inappropriate use of chemical substances that are capable of changing functions of cells in the body. Bayer, as cited in Egbochuku and Akerele (2007), saw stimulants, which are substances that cause an increase in the activity of an organ in the body, as chemicals that excite certain activities of the central nervous system.
Ajayi and Ekundayo (2010) also saw drug abuse as over-dependence and misuse of one particular drug with or without a prior medical diagnosis from qualified health practitioners. They further identified dangerous drugs like cocaine, Indian hemp (marijuana), morphine, heroin, tobacco, ephedrine, valium five and Chinese capsules as few among the drugs commonly abused by youths.
Oshodi, Aina and Onajole (2010) reported that, despite worldwide concern and education about psychoactive substances, many adolescents have limited awareness of their adverse consequences. They further explained that curiosity, social pressure and peer group influence are noted to be primary reasons for substance misuse.
Makanjuola, Daramola and Obembe (2007), Aina and Olorunsola (2008), and Buddy (2009) lamented that a substantial percentage of the national budgetary allocation is utilized for treatment and rehabilitation of people with substance use problems in Nigeria.
Drug use and crime are social problems which continue to impact our society.
Concern about drug use and crime is however not taken as being of great importance to many. For instance, Darke, Torok, Kaye, Ross & Mcketin (2010) in their study comparing the rate of violent crimes among regular drug (methamphetamine and opiod) users reveal that drug related offences are offences in which drugs‟ pharmacologic effects lead to certain offences motivated by drug-users‟ need for money to support continued use or offences related to drug distribution itself.
Common drugs of abuse include Nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, heroine, amphetamines, among others Lincoln (2008) decries that crimes have been ignored by most social scientists studying social behavior.
Crime is an act or omission to act which flouts the core values, rules and regulations guiding a particular establishment (Ogunyade, 2005). They are a common experience in the global environment.
Issues of insecurity of life and property have greatly permeated every facet of life including, in recent times, the library. Unfortunately, with meagre budgetary allocation from government, libraries seem to have inadequate means of detecting crime rates in their environment.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The effect of drug abuse on the growth of crimes cannot be over emphasized. Many researchers have carried out several researches on drug abuse but there has not been any research work on the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime in Nigeria.
There are a number of arguments that examine the causal relationship between drug abuse and crime. Some argue that most addicts commit economic-associated crimes to sustain their addictive behavior.
Others are of the opinion that drug users are more frequently involved in personal crimes like assault, family quarrels, violent crimes, and prostitution. For example, Goldstein (1985) argue that there is a causal relationship between drug use and violent. In all these arguments and researches, none has talked on the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime in Nigeria.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The main aim of the study is to determine the the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime in Nigeria. Other specific objectives include:
1. to determine the relationship between drug abuse and the growth of crime in Nigeria.
2. to examine the factors responsible for drug abuse in Nigeria.
3. to examine the challenges in curbing of crimes in Nigeria.
4. to determine the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime in Nigeria.
5. to proffer solution to the challenges in curbing of crimes in Nigeria.
1.4 RESERCH QUESTION
The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above objectives of the study. The following research questions guide the objectives of the study:
1. What is the relationship between drug abuse and the growth of crime in Nigeria?
2. What are the factors responsible for drug abuse in Nigeria?
3. What are the challenges in curbing of crimes in Nigeria?
4. What is the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime in Nigeria?
5. What is the solution to the challenges in curbing of crimes in Nigeria?
1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
1. H0: drug abuse has no significant effect on the growth of crime in Nigeria.
2. H1: drug abuse has significant effect on the growth of crime in Nigeria.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
The study will be of enormous benefit to the society and Nation at large. The findings of this study will give the society a deeper knowledge on the growth of crime in Nigeria. Most societies are aware or abreast with drug abuse, but are aloof of its effect on the growth of crimes.
Having an in-depth knowledge of this will give a new dimension to the effect of drug abuse and how to tackle it.
The study will be of great importance to drug and security agencies like NAFDAC and POLICE as well as other security agencies in the country. They will work hand in hand in curbing of crime and the illicit use of drugs.
The study will significantly be an enlightening piece to all and sundry in the society, people will be enlightened on the negative effect of drug abuse and taught on the dangers of the use of illicit drugs for whatever reason.
Furthermore, the government of Nigeria through this study will give maximum support to drug and security agencies to help in dealing of drug abuse and curbing of crimes in the society as well as manage the growth of crimes.
Lastly, the study will serve as an additional knowledge on the effect of drug abuse and will also be used by other researchers for further studies.
1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY
The scope of study will cover the effect of drug abuse on the growth of crime of Nigeria.
1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY
1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Effect: a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
Drug abuse: Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder.
Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts.
Growth: the process of increasing in size.
Crime: an action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.
Nigeria: officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa, bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. Its coast in the south is located on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
The federation comprises 36 states and 1 Federal Capital Territory, where the capital, Abuja, is located. The constitution defines Nigeria as a democratic secular state.
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