Religion Education as a Panacea for Negative Effects Substance Abuse in SS (2) Students in Their Academic Achievement in Jos South Local Government Area

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of substance abuse on the academic achievement of Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research adopted a quasi-experimental design, with a total population of 154, 255 students. Four secondary schools were purposively selected using a stratified random sampling technique to draw a sample of 80 students. Data were collected through 27-item questionnaire, validated for face and content, with a reliability index of 0.89. descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square, mean score, and percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed no statistically significant relationship between substance abuse and students’ personal development. However, the study highlighted prevalent patterns of substance use, with cigarettes, local alcoholic brews (such as burukutu), and marijuana being among the most commonly abused substance. Among the contributing factors include early exposure, parental influence, and socio-environmental challenges. The study concludes that substance abuse adversely affects students’ academic performance and recommends that teachers, counsellors and school administrators adopt proactive strategies such as counselling, orientation, and rehabilitation programs to mitigate its impact among students.