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Students’ Navigation of Multiple Selves within Risky Alcohol Consumption Contest: A Danger Signal to COOU Capacity Building

Obikeze, Chinedum O. Department of Marketing, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria [email protected]

ABSTRACT This study on alcohol consumption by students in Anambra State University is aimed at exploring the rationale and the risk associated with alcohol consumption contest in an academic environment especially during official hours of the day. Survey method of research design was adopted, whereas literature survey, observation and the questionnaire were proportionately employed to source data from both primary and secondary sources. A convenient sample of 1150 was drawn. Generated data were presented in tables and analyzed with percentile method, and factor analysis. It was revealed that students’ heavy alcohol consumption is for belongingness (social acceptance) and show-off in the main. The study also found significant relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and risk behaviours, such as poor academic performance, loose life styles and cult engagements. It was therefore recommended that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University with all other Nigerian universities should promulgate necessary laws stopping the sale and consumption of alcohol on the campuses between 06.00 am and 06.00pm daily or forbid it out rightly; all strategic promotional offers of free and the like should be banned in and around academic institutions of higher learning; COOU in particular should partner with corporate and private individuals to provide adequate hostel accommodation for all students, this will help to check-mate and curtail students’ excesses in all respects; and that the staff especially the teaching staff should be the role model they supposed to be to the students. Key Words: Anambra State University, alcohol consumption and academic environment

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol is a substance called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol or pure spirits () which are formed as or hard . An alcohol is any drink or beverage that contains ethyl alcohol in intoxicating quantities. www.Drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/alcohol briefly described ethyl alcohol or ethanol as an intoxicating ingredient found in , wine and . en.m.wikipedia.org noted that an alcohol beverage is a drink that typically contain 3% to 40% alcohol. Alcohol are drinks such as beer, wine, etc that can make people drunk. The 8th Edition of Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary described alcohol as the clear liquid that is found in drinks such as beer, wine, etc and is used in medicine, cleaning products, etc.

Alcohol is as old as human history and its consumption in different socio-cultural milieus extends beyond the last ten thousand years (Smart, 2007), its consumption has been considered normal especially when drunk without outright intoxication in Africa and other parts of the globe. Nkereuwem and Nkpa (2014) are of the opinion that serious and risky alcohol use among university students has become a serious public health issue in Nigeria. College drinking is the consumption of alcohol by students on the campus of any college or university (Pedersen and Josephy, 2009). The age at which it is illegal to drink varies by country and affects whether college/university drinking is considered illegal, eg United States where it is illegal for those under the age of 21 to drink in Nigeria the legal voting age of 18 is implied by the drinking age.

Brazy (2010) frowned at bing drinking which according to him occurs when students drink large amounts of alcohol in a relatively short space of time in order to feel the full effects of alcohol consumption. Back to history, Dumbili (2014) inferentially observed that the pattern of use, the users and reasons for alcohol consumption are rapidly changing especially among young drinkers. To him, alcohol consumption is no longer solely regulated by the custom and tradition of the people, and it is no longer reserved for social gathering or entertainment of a guest alone. Adewuya (2005) in Nkereuwem and Nkpa, 2014) stated that current estimates of university students’ drinking patterns suggest that nearly 40% of university students engage in bing drinking consuming at least 4 to 5 drinks in one sitting with men tending to bing drink more frequently than women. He further noted from research reports of

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Obot (2000), Chikere and Mayowa (2011) that 37% of university students in the country meet diagnostic criteria for either alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse.

Adewuya (2005), Obot and Ibanga (2012), Rotimi (2005), and Adewuya, Chikere and Mayowa (2011) reported numerous negative consequences of heavy alcohol consumption in the university student populations. These include injuries, death, sexual misbehavior and academic problems such as missing classes/lectures, poor performance in tests, lower grades and cultism among other alcohol related problems. Dumbili (2013) observed that drinking of alcohol was culturally tolerated as part of ceremonial lives of many ethnic groups in what is now known as Nigeria especially in communities where it was not forbidden by religion…. Chikere and Mayowa (2011) insisted that in recent decades the pattern, quantity and reason for consumption are changing rapidly especially among youths. Effiong (2012) highlighted sense of self-esteem and self-respect among others as the benefits that accrue through education. It is then highly worrisome how students’ bing drinking (with the attendant risks) collaborate with the stipulation “a” of National Policy on Education (2013:54) development of high level manpower within the context of the needs of the nation. Against this backdrop, this study aims at awakening the COOU family /community on this sad drinking habits of the students, and call for prompt remedial action that will enthrone appropriate capacity building.

List of Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic Beverages are drinks containing ethanol (alcohol) and are divided into the classes namely bears, wine, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries. Over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale and consumption, and specific 16 – 21. Most countries set it at 18 years of age, (Hobgood 2009). Below is the list of alcoholic beverages;

List of Alcoholic Beverages (Determined by their Raw Materials) Grains Name of fermented beverage Name of distilled beverage Beear, aley Scotch , , (mugi ōchū) (Japan) , , rodka (), (Germany) Corn Chichi, , tesguino , , also rodka (rare) Brukutu (Nig.), (Ghana), mensa (Southern , goaliang, certainather types of ), bilibili ( Central African, (China) (), rodka, , weizenkorn (Germany) Beer, (Bali) & choujiu (China), Aila (), rice baijiu (China), Shōchū Ruouguo (Vietnam), (Japan) (), (Komejōchū) and awamoñ (Japan), makgeotti & chungiu () tuak (Borneo (Korea) Island) thown (Nepal) Millet beer (Subsaharan Africa), tongba (Nepal, Tibet) (The , Bckw heat Shōchū (sobajōchū) (Japan) Wine , (), , (france), Branntwein (Germany) (pery, Chile), (Grozdora) (The Balkans, tuskey), singani (Bolivia), (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan) torkolypalinka (hungany) Cider (us: a hard cider), aptelwein (or brandy), , cider or cider poire (France) , pear brandy, Eau-de-vie (France), patinka (Hungany), Knishova rakia/Krushevitsa (Bulganria).

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Plums wine , tucia umeshu, palinka, slivora rakia/slivorisha () Apricols Kaisiera rakia (Bulgaria), Palinka (Hungany). Pineapples (mexico) pinapple wine (hawail) Luniper berries , borovieka Bananas or Chuoihit (Vietnam_ (Kuna Indian) of plantain , urgwagwa (Uganda, Rwanda), mbege (with millet ; Tanzarai). Kasikise (wilth sorghum malt; Democratic republic of the congo Gougi Gougi jiu (China) Gougi jiu (China) Toddy (, India) , (Sri lanka, Indian ) with Ginger , , , ginger with raisins Myrica rubra Yangmeijiu (China) Yangmei jiu (China) Pomace wine Raki / // (Turkey/Greece/france/Italy), / (Greece), (Italy), Trester, (Germany), marc (france), (Spain), (Cyprus) Sap of palm Coyol wine (central America), tembo (sub- saharan Africa), toddy Sap of Arenga Fuk (Indonesia) Arrack pinnata, Coconut, flabellifer , horilka (Ukraine), tei (Ethiopia) Distilled mead, honey flavoured liquer Molk , , bland Arkhi (Mongolia Sugar Kilju & mead or sima () Shōchū (Kokutō Shōchū): made from brown sugar (Japan) Fermented beverages founders’ old curmudgeon a hard cider produced in Michigan State, us Palmirine is collected, fermented & stored in calabashes in Bandundes province, democratic, Republic of the Congo Saliva – fermented beverages Tiquira (Brazil) - cauim - chichi: throughout the Amazon basin, inchiding - interiors of Brazil, Ecuador, pene & Venezuela, Chichi is made most often with cassava). In Peruvian Amazenia Chichia is known as masato - (Sub-Saharan Africa) - ninamanchi () akaniji manche (Ecuador and ) - () - Sakura (Brazil, Surinam)

Ginger root juice Ginger beer

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Potato beer Horilka (Ukaraine), Rodka (Poland & Germany), (Scandinavia), Poitin (poteen) (Ireland), Tuzemak () Soju (Korea) Shōchū (imojōchū) (Japan) juice or , betsa-betsa (regional) Rum (Caribbean), Venezuela, Colombia, molasses Nicaragua, pinga or cashaca, (Brazil), , guara, Gongo, Konyagi (Tanzania) juice , mescal, racilla. Source: en.m.wikipedia.org

Theoretical Conceptualization Alcohol, the beverage or drink that contains ethyl in intoxicating quantities, was mainly consumed by adult males in social engagements. Obot (2000) in Dumbili (2013) observed that, though in a few communities the young were permitted to drink, this was usually in the presence of adults who monitored the quantity they consumed. Alcohol consumption was not a daily affair and it was restricted for use in religious rituals, marriage ceremonies, Kingship enthronement, cultural festivals, child naming, etc (Ibanga et al, 2005 in Dumbili, 2013). The elderly are hierarchically served by the younger members of the society or clan/tribe/kindred.

Then alcohol was brewed locally, distributed and consumed immediately, few hours after production. According to Dumbili (2013), this trend was altered in West Africa (including Nigeria) following the influx of the European slave traders. This popularized the sale and consumption of liquor and this facilitated alcohol abuse due to the importation, sale and consumption followed by the establishment of Nigeria Ltd (now NB Plc) in 1946 and Guinness Nigeria Plc in 1962 in the main. The brewers /distillers (beverage sector) sector grew with many entrants offering beer and wine to the public as desirable status symbol among the upper and middle classes. Dumbili (2013) emphatically noted that traditional alcohol beverages were belittled bringing a new trend in alcohol consumption in the country.

Nkereuwem and Nkpa (2014) used alcohol expectancy theory to explain the reasons for use, consumption pattern and the consequences. Alcohol contest among youths in bars, restaurants, drinking joints, hotels, night clubs, etc strategically located in or near various schools in Nigeria judge the following:

 The ability to drink a large quantity of alcohol without showing sign of intoxication;  Ability to drink faster than the opponent (others) the alcohol macho wins money from marketers especially at new product introduction;  The means of showing-off in public places, this is a clear case of erosion of communal values, socialization and peer group influence.  Enhancement of sexual pleasure  Feeling of high and more social acceptance, as portrayed by Guinness Extra advertisement. Oluwaduja (2010) called this, taking alcohol by deception.  Class status symbol / recognition as elites display different foreign in their private bars.

Traditional marriage, burial, etc expect large quantities of alcohol – , Stout, beer, wine, etc thus subduing the perfect use of locally made beverages. According to Nkereuwem and Nkpa (2014), alcohol expectancy refers to the auticipated behavioural, cognitive and effective consequences of drinking alcohol. DeBruijin (2011) joined up saying that it is relies heavily on behavioural explanations of drinking and social influences such as family, peers and modeling of alcohol use are designed to impact alcohol related beliefs. Again alcoholics drink more when they are receiving free alcohol whereas social drinkers drink less when receiving alcohol (Brisibe, 2009). He observed stated that alcohol expectancy influences the drinking patterns among a given population - adults, adolescents, alcoholics, university /college students, even children. Alcohol Expectancy in essence measures alcohol to see if it acts as transformation agent specifically;

 Improving sexual experiences, (arousal and aggression)  Creating positive social assertive and interactive personality

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 Reducing tension and producing relaxation Studies by many researchers, Obot (2012), Dumbili (2013) and Nkereuwem and Nkpa (2014) among others, all reported a very close and significant relationship between alcohol consumption and risky behaviour. Pace University student handbook on alcohol and other drugs drew conclusion: “as a matter of fact more than 10 million people suffer from alcoholism. Brisibe (2009), Chikere and Mayovia (2011), Kehinde and Olusegun (2012), Willis (2006) and Yu (2013) all came to terms with the physical and psychological effects of alcohol consumption. Describing alcoholism as a state of indiscipline in Nigerian Schools, Ikwuba and Sugh (2013) attributed it to improper socialization of children by parents/guardians, media activities that daily frustrate family efforts in socializing young people exposed and glued to all forms media; and Nigeria government’s mixed economic system that attaches a lot of value to wealth to the detriment of life.

Now alcohol expectancies associated with risky behaviour requires treatment efforts focused on changing expectancies which would not only decrease problematic alcohol use but also participation in risky behaviour(s). More national/global misconceptions of risk explains the relationship between alcohol expectancies and use; and intervention efforts seem better targeted at changing this broader cognitive optimistic bids (Nkereuwem and Nkpa 2014). This study aimed at finding out the cause(s)/expectancy of students’ alcohol consumption level of use and associated risky behavours, raise questions as to why do people/students drink? How do they know they have drinking problems? And what effect can alcohol have on the students? Formulated Hypotheses then are that:

 There is no significant relationship between optimistic and pessimistic alcohol users;  There is no significant relationship between alcohol consumption level and risky behavior and that;  There is no significant relationship between alcohol consumption pattern and risky behavior of male and female students.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research design adopted in this study is survey method to enhance better understanding of the facts about alcohol use by students. Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Uli constitute the population of the study. Judgmental (convenience) sampling method helped in selecting the Social Sciences and Management Sciences faculties as research sample upon which inferential conclusion is drawn, the researcher believing that the two selected faculties are the most populated in COOU and possess the population characteristics. The research instrument, the questionnaire was proportionately administered to a total of 400 students by hand. Tables, percentile method, graph and factor analysis were adopted in presenting and analyzing the generated data.

Presentation and Analysis of Data Large number of factors associated with the dependent and independent variables necessitated the application of factor analysis as a multivariate analytical method. This process takes a large number of objects to see whether they have a small number of factors or indices in common which account for their intercorrelation (Ezejelue et al, 2008). The degree of correction yield the relevant factor and data loading as shown below based one 376 (three hundred and seventy six) copies of the questionnaire duly completed and returned.

Table II: Respondents’ Bio-data Interval (age) Frequency Percentage (%) 20 – 24 136 36 25 – 29 117 31 30 – 34 82 21 35 and above 41 12 Total = 376 100%

From the above table, 36% and 31% of the respondents fall within the age range between 20 and 29 years with total of 67% of the population, it is clear that study population is relatively a young one, “the greater tomorrow”.

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Table III: Gender of the Respondents

Gender Frequency Percentage (%) Male 227 63 Female 149 37 Total = 376 100%

The above table, a subset of the respondents’ bio-data, shows that 63% of the study populations are male students while 37% are females.

Relevant Keys 1. Property Damage = PD 2. Cult Related Problem = CRP 3. Drinking – Driving/Drunk-Driving = DD 4. Suicide Attempts: (accidents, death, rape, etc) = SA 5. Health Problems: (Vomitting, Weight gain, brain damage, unconsciousness, etc) = HP 6. Academic Problems (low thinking ability, Poor grades, late completion of degrees, etc) = AP

Graph I: Screen Plot Y axis

2.5 * 2.0 2.0 *

1.5

0.5 * * 0.0 0 * X axis 1 2 3 4 5 6

Component Number

Given the component numbers, CRP = 1, DD = 2, SA = 3, HP = 4, AP = 5 and PD = 6, the curve begins to flatten between component 3 having value less than 1 only two (2) components were retained.

Graph II: Component plots (in Rolette Space)

DD CRP SA HP 1.0 0.5

0.0 AP 0.5 PD

1.0

0 -1.0 -0.5 0.0 0.5 0.5

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From the above graph CRP, DD, SA, HP and AP are substantially loaded on factor 2 while PD is loaded on factor 1, that is, reducing the number of objects which the variables have high loading.

FINDINGS

Due to the large of number of variables, student alcoholics were categorized into optimistic alcohol users and pessimistic alcohol users. The connection between Alcohol Consumption Rate (ACR) and risk behavior (BB) was establish to be high and then tested on gender crucible of alcoholics. The study revealed that cult related behavior in Anambra State University is hinged on optimistic alcoholics. From graph II, cult related problem (CRP), drunk- drinking (DD), suicide attempts (SA), health problems (HP) and academic problems (AP) are loaded on factor 2 – risky behavior, whereas property damage (DD) is loaded on factor I being alcohol consumption rate/level/pattern. Impliedly respondents who identify with positive alcohol effects are more likely to stand for higher alcohol use and risky behavior.

Gender-wise, risk perception of alcohol use is stronger for males than female students. In other words, alcohol expectancies predict high alcohol use by male students. However, pessimistic alcohol users and optimistic alcohol users have different score on the screen plot. Significantly more alcohol use is endorsed by the belief that it enhances social and physical pleasure, produce relaxation, and reduce tension. The study revealed that the belief of positive consequences (expectancy) of behavior are more important to the young population being studied than negative consequences. In essence student alcoholics embrace alcohol benefits thereby disregarding the cost of risky behaviours that are more likely to arise from excessive consumption of alcohol. This is in line with the statement of Dumbili (2013) and Nkereuwem and Nkpali (2014). Again, risky behaviours such as drunken – driving, loose sex life, criminal engagements, etc further physical, psychological and economic problems.

From observation and personal interview, student alcoholics spend their furtune on drinks instead of buying their reading materials; some students drink alcohol (more than 2 bottles) in the presence of their parents/guardians; some parents drink themselves to stupidity and their children and wards see them in that unconscious mood; sellers of alcoholic drinks on campus boldly comment that the students boost their businesses more than staff; some students submit that some lecturers (their supposed role models) drink alcohol in the office and even do send the students to buy alcoholic drinks for them.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Increasing consumption and abuse of alcohol use will become more serious social, psychological, physiological and economic problems to capacity building and sustainable developmental efforts, unless there are:  Implementation of minimum drinking age of 21 as against 18years;  Campus police/security should engage in raid to arrest students who are under 21years, COOU should enforce all-time possession of identity card (ID) by students;  Definition of standard or responsible drink by government and brewers, all alcohol containers should specify (ABV). It is hereby recommended that nobody drinks more than 2 bottles at a sitting;  Prohibition of all manner of alcohol initiation: employment of young girls (and boys) to serve in restaurant and bars, sending minors (under 18) to buy or sell liquor or participate in night shows and alcohol sales promotions, etc;  Policy on time, day and who can sell or buy alcohol in Nigeria, sellers should not sell to known alcoholics (that is if selfishness will allow them), Dumbili (2013) stated the case of Botswana where sellers are permitted to sells between 9am and 11pm. This study recommends that the bars, restaurants and canteens, if at all necessary, should not sell alcohol drinks between 06.00am and 06.00pm daily;  Denial of admission into higher studies if there is clear record of undergraduate alcohol consumption problem(s). Recall the case of the two (2) accidented cars right in front of staff canteen in Igbariam Campus of COOU during the 2013/14 second semester examination period.  Organization of University and students interactive forum (in addition to normal orientation for new students), once a year, where health officers, National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), inter-denominational christian groups, etc will be invited to talk with the students on the negative consequences of alcohol; and unless

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 There is partnership between ANSU, Anambra State Government and corporate and private persons in the State with the major aim of providing adequate hostels, classrooms, library, infrastructural, etc facilities, this will greatly checkmate and curtail students’ excesses in all respects especially if all undergraduates are put in school hostels.  Ban of all promotional activities, by brewers and sellers, painting alcohol consumption as being good for both youths and adults in and around institutions of higher learning.

The Nigeria educational system, a microcosm of its environment is highly undeserving of the periodic condemnation it receives from within and outside the country. Set standard for each stage of education never advocate for alcohol consumption which should be taken serious. As Prof. Owoeye (reported by Laniyan, 2014) said: “what seems to be crucial is the capacity to challenge illiteracy by opening non-partisan avenues to those willing to seek knowledge”. This study is therefore calling for avenues, provisions that will encourage students to seek for knowledge that will enhance capacity building and sustainable resources development, and not to waste themselves and families on alcohol consumption.

REFERENCES

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