This study examined the perception of drug abuse amongst Nigerian undergraduates living
off-campus. Students were surveyed at the Lagos State University, Ojo, allowing for a diverse sample that
included a large percentage of the students from different faculties and departments. The undergraduate
students were surveyed with a structured self-reporting anonymous questionnaire modified and adapted
from the WHO student drug survey proforma. Of the 1000 students surveyed, a total of 807 responded to the
questionnaire resulting in 80.7% response rate. Majority (77.9%) of the students were aged 19-30 years and
unmarried. Six hundred and ninety eight (86.5%) claimed they were aware of drug abuse, but contrarily they
demonstrated poor knowledge and awareness. Marijuana, 298 (45.7%) was the most common drug of abuse
seen by most of the students. They were unable to identify very well the predisposing factors to drug use and
the attending risks. Two hundred and sixty six (33.0%) students were currently taking one or more drugs of
abuse. Coffee (43.1%) was the most commonly used drug, followed by alcohol (25.8%) and marijuana (7.4%).
Despite chronic use of these drugs (5 years and above), addiction is not a common finding. The study also
revealed the poor attitudes of the undergraduates to drug addicts even after rehabilitation. It was therefore
concluded that the awareness, knowledge, practices and attitudes of Nigerian undergraduates towards drug
abuse is very poor. Considerably more research is needed to develop effective prevention strategy that
combines school-based interventions with those affecting the family, social institutions and the larger
community.