On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Year Three Mass Communication students at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) organized a timely and impactful awareness campaign against substance abuse at the Fatima Campus. The initiative was designed to promote student well-being and mental resilience ahead of the March first-semester examinations.
The campaign highlighted the dangers associated with the use of substances such as kush and tramadol, emphasizing their harmful effects on mental health, academic performance, and overall life prospects. University officials stressed that sound mental health remains the cornerstone of academic excellence and personal development.
The event received strong institutional support, including contributions from Lecturer Marthew Kanu and Dean of Students Mohamed Wahab Kamara, who both encouraged students to make responsible choices during the examination period. The Director of the Gender and Career Desk, Mary Hawa Turay, alongside SUCCEED Sierra Leone Peer Researcher Nancy Amanda Stevens, also addressed participants. They urged students to prioritize their mental well-being as a foundation for successful careers and a brighter future—not only at UNIMAK but across all learning institutions in Sierra Leone.
The initiative reflects UNIMAK’s continued commitment to fostering a safe, healthy, and academically focused environment for its students.
