Substance abuse has become one of the most alarming challenges facing Nigerian youths today. What once seemed like isolated incidents has evolved into a prevalent trend, steadily undermining mental health, physical well-being, and the future potential of a generation expected to drive innovation and national progress – the often touted ‘leaders of tomorrow’. Across urban centres and rural communities, addiction to drugs and psychotropic substances, alcohol and tobacco is pulling countless young people into destructive cycles that erode academic performance, impair judgment, and diminish their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.