Crescent Varsity Students visits UN drugs, office
An eye-witness account
By Azeez Oladejo
A Day at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.
The field trip was part of requirements for the Bachelor ‘s in Political Science and International Studies at the prestigious Crescent University, Abeokuta,which is a brainchild of the late Prince Bola Ajibola, a one-time judge of the International Court of Justice, Hague.
It was a practically wonderful experience on the day students and members of staff of the university had the privilege of visiting and interacting with the United Nations ODC office in Abuja.
From a very warm reception of the agency’s officials to a very engaging series of enlightening sessions that encompassed tutoring, discussions, and interactive question and answer sessions, there was no iota of dull moment in the whole encounter. It was rather eventful.
The focus was on various facets of the United Nations ODC’s operations in Nigeria, including the United Nations ODC Police Service Commission, drug prevention, treatment, and their approach to combating crime in the forest sector, among other critical topics.
During our visit, we gained insights into the pivotal role of the UNODC in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape. We learned about their mandate which involves monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing the conduct of police officers through community outreach, capacity building, and professional training initiatives.
In addition, we were informed about their research, technical support systems, and their collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening effective implementation of their mandates.
A significant part of our experience involved understanding the Uniyed Nations ODC’s proactive stance on drug prevention and treatment in Nigeria. We were introduced to their partnerships with various stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse, including notable projects such as alternative incarceration initiatives, drug use disorder treatment programs, and the establishment of treatment centers across Nigeria.
Moreover, we gained insights into their comprehensive strategies to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria and the wider West African region, along with their rehabilitation and prevention outreach efforts.
Present were the officials of the United Nations ODC: Danilo Campis, Chukwuma Ume, Folusho Ajayi-Adelekan, Dr Akan and
Rafiat Atanda.
Also present with 48 students were lecturers from the Department of Political Science and International Studies of Crescent University, Azeez Oladejo, Rasheedat Akanbi and Hayatullah Bello.
Our session at the United Nations ODC was both impactful and interactive as students gained deep insights into various topics discussed. We departed feeling significantly more informed and inspired by the United Nations ODC’s dedication to promoting security, justice, and health in Nigeria.
The agency remains one of the silent but most impactful on the average Nigerian among the United Nations teams in Nigeria.
We are indeed very proud.
*Azeez Oladejo lectures at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
