READ On Nigeria

30/03/2026

27/03/2026

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE PARENTS SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

Substance abuse does not start with addiction.
It starts quietly with small changes in behavior, mood, friends, sleep, money, and performance. Most parents don’t miss the signs because they are careless. They miss them because the signs look “normal” at first.

If you’re a parent, guardian, teacher, or older sibling, here are some crucial signs you shouldn't ignore

1. Sudden Change in Behavior or Personality
Your child was open and expressive now they are secretive, defensive, or unusually aggressive.

Watch out for:

✅Extreme mood swings
✅Irritability without clear reason
✅Unusual anger or emotional outbursts
✅Isolation from family activities
✅Locking doors more than usual

Substances affect the brain especially the developing teenage brain. Drugs can alter mood regulation, impulse control, and judgment.
If the personality change feels drastic and unexplained, don’t ignore it.

2. Drop in Academic Performance
A child who was consistent suddenly:

✅Stops doing assignments
✅Skips school
✅Loses interest in studies
✅Receives complaints from teachers

Substance use reduces concentration and memory. It interferes with motivation and long-term goals.
A falling report card can sometimes be louder than words.

3. Change in Friend Group

This is one of the biggest red flags.

Be alert if:

✅Old friends suddenly disappear
✅They refuse to introduce new friends
✅They become defensive when asked about where they’re going
✅You notice older or suspicious peer groups

Substance use often begins through peer influence. Teenagers are more likely to experiment when surrounded by others who normalize it.

4. Unusual Physical Signs

Different substances produce different physical clues.

Common warning signs include:

✅Red or glassy eyes
✅Frequent nosebleeds (especially with intranasal drug use)
✅Sudden weight loss
✅Poor hygiene
✅Unusual body odors
✅Tremors or shaking
✅Slurred speech

You may also notice burn marks, hidden rolling papers, v**e devices, or small plastic wraps.
These are not “coincidences.”

5. Sleep Pattern Changes

Substance abuse disrupts normal sleep cycles.

Watch for:

✅Staying awake all night
✅Sleeping excessively during the day
✅Restlessness
✅Complaints of insomnia

Drugs like stimulants increase alertness, while depressants cause drowsiness. Either extreme should raise questions.

6. Unexplained Need for Money

If money keeps disappearing… If expensive items go missing… If they constantly “need urgent cash”…
This may signal substance purchasing.
Addiction is expensive. And when dependence sets in, desperation increases.

7. Loss of Interest in Hobbies

When a child abandons:
✅Sports
✅Music
✅Church or religious activities
✅Family gatherings
✅Previously loved interests

That emotional withdrawal may be a coping shift toward substance use.
Drugs begin to replace joy.

8. Defensive or Manipulative Communication

When simple questions lead to:

✅“Why are you always suspecting me?”
✅Extreme defensiveness
✅Turning the blame on you
✅Emotional manipulation

That doesn’t confirm substance abuse but it demands attention.
Don’t Just Accuse — Observe and Communicate

Many parents make one major mistake:

They jump to confrontation without conversation.

Here’s what helps instead:

✅Approach calmly.
✅Ask open-ended questions.
✅Listen more than you speak.
✅Avoid shaming.
✅Avoid threats.
✅Seek professional help early.
Early intervention prevents lifelong damage.

Why Early Detection Matters
Substance abuse can lead to:

✅Academic failure
✅Legal trouble
✅Mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, psychosis)
✅Risky sexual behavior
✅Long-term brain damage
✅Addiction in adulthood

The earlier you act, the better the outcome

SAY NO TO DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ❌

SAY YES TO HEALTH ✅

Dr. Joel Ngei Gburuke
Volunteer

27/02/2026

How Local Government Works and Why It Matters to You

Local government affects your daily life more than you think, from the roads you use to schools, healthcare, markets, sanitation, and community development.

In Nigeria, there are 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) created to bring governance closer to the people. They are responsible for basic infrastructure, primary education support, primary healthcare, environmental sanitation, market regulation, and grassroots development.

When the local government works well, communities thrive. When it doesn’t, citizens feel the impact immediately.

Why Your Participation Matters
Local government is the easiest level of government to influence. You can drive change by:
• Voting in local elections
• Attending community meetings
• Reporting local issues
• Engaging your councillors and leaders
• Participating in civic and community groups

Active citizens strengthen transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
Local government is not just a political structure, it is the foundation of development.

Change truly begins at the local level.
Know your local government. Engage your leaders. Be an active citizen.

24/02/2026

Our Catch-Up Programme is still ongoing, offering free weekend learning sessions in Mathematics, English, and Digital Literacy for children aged 8–13. With over 2,000 centers nationwide and trained facilitators, we are committed to building brighter futures—one child at a time.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to locate a Catch-Up Center near them and enroll their children today to help them gain confidence and stay on track academically. ✨

08/10/2024

Today is World Dyslexia day! Let's celebrate the creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives of individuals with dyslexia. We can embrace the strengths and challenges of dyslexia and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all!

11/09/2024

Vary Your Reading Material

Nneoma Okoro sat in her cozy book nook, surrounded by stacks of familiar favorites. She had read them all before, but somehow, they didn't spark the same excitement as they used to. As she pondered what to read next, her friend Amaka burst in, holding a vibrant book cover. "Nneoma, you have to try this! It's a sci-fi novel by a Ghanaian author. Trust me, it's out of this world!"

Nneoma raised an eyebrow. "Sci-fi? I've never been into that." But Amaka's enthusiasm was infectious. She took the book, and as she delved into its pages, a new world unfolded. The characters, the plot twists, the futuristic setting – everything fascinated her. For the first time in months, she devoured a book in one sitting.

As she closed the book, Nneoma realized that she had been stuck in a reading routine. She had been missing out on so much by sticking to what she knew. And that's when it hit her – the importance of varying her reading material.

When was the last time you stepped out of your reading comfort zone? If you're like most of us, you tend to stick to what you know and love – a favorite author, genre, or topic. Nneoma's experience is a common one. We often find ourselves stuck in a reading routine, revisiting the same genres, authors, and topics. But varying your reading material can be a game-changer for your reading experience and your personal growth.

So, how can you vary your reading material?

Just like Nneoma, you might discover a new favorite genre or author by stepping out of your comfort zone. Start by exploring different genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or graphic novels. Try authors from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and experiment with various formats like audiobooks or e-books. Visit libraries or bookstores to discover new titles, and ask friends or online recommendations.

Remember, the goal is to challenge yourself and have fun. Don't be like Nneoma, stuck in a reading routine. Take a cue from her experience and broaden your horizons. Your reading experience – and your mind – will thank you.

08/09/2024

Let's celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures, and work towards a world where everyone has access to quality education and opportunities to read, write, and thrive in their own language. Happy world literacy day!

07/09/2024

Did you know about the 6-3-3-4 system, a revolutionary education reform that transformed Nigeria's learning landscape in 1982? 🥰

This groundbreaking initiative restructured the country's education system, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for millions of students. Now, let's delve a little bit into it's history.

The 6-3-3-4 education system, implemented in Nigeria in 1982 by the former President of Nigeria Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, marked a significant milestone in the country's educational history since the country gained independence in 1960.

Prior to the implementation of the 6-3-3-4 system, the Nigeria's education system followed a 6-5-2 system, consisting of 6 years of primary education, 5 years of secondary education, and 2 years of higher education. The need for a comprehensive reform to address shortcomings and improve the overall quality of education led to the development of the new system.

The 6-3-3-4 system divides education into 6 years of primary education, 3 years of junior secondary education, 3 years of senior secondary education, and 4 Year's of tertiary education.

Notably, educational experts and leaders like Professor O. O. Babalola, Professor J. A. Afolabi and Dr. T. A. Falase contributed to development and implementation of the educational reforms. Government and international bodies like the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), UNESCO, and World Bank also contributed by providing technical assistance and expertise to support the implementation of the 6-3-3-4 system and by playing a significant role in shaping the 6-3-3-4 system.

The implementation of the 6-3-3-4 system brought about positive changes in the Nigerian education sector, including improved curriculum design, better teacher training, and increased access to education for all. This change had a significant impact on the educational landscape of the country and continues to shape the education sector in Nigeria today.



Image: Kogi Culture and Tourism

06/09/2024

06/09/2024

doesn't define you - your strengths and abilities do! With the right mindset and support, individuals with dyslexia can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Promoting inclusivity, so everyone can thrive and reach their full potential is very important and paramount.



Image by freepik