The leadership of the University of Calabar Students Union Government has been urged to deploy strategic communication tools in the fight against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices threatening students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The charge came from the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, when the Directorate of Information of the UNICAL SUG, led by its Director of Information, Comrade Gift Ogbodum, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Information headquarters in Calabar.

Ekpang, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Anthony Asuquo Okon, stressed that student leaders in information management carried a responsibility to promote positive values and drive behavioural change among their peers.

"One of the major responsibilities of student leaders, especially those in information management, is to help fight the menace of cultism and drug abuse on campus. These are serious challenges confronting students today, and you must use your offices to disseminate the right information across faculties and departments," Okon stated.

He noted that the SUG information directorate had a critical role in shaping opinions and influencing positive conduct within the institution through responsible communication and sustained sensitisation campaigns.

Ekpang also encouraged the students to emulate the communication approach of the ministry by promoting messages that fostered discipline, peace and social responsibility on campus.

"You have representatives across departments and faculties, so you should work with them to ensure success is achieved. Drug abuse and cultism are major concerns, and as student leaders, you must rise to the challenge," he added.

The commissioner also acknowledged an award presented to him by the delegation in recognition of his contributions to information management and public communication in Cross River State, describing it as a reflection of the ministry's efforts in projecting the programmes and policies of Governor Bassey Otu.

Ogbodum said the visit was intended to appreciate the commissioner for his support to students and his role in public information management, adding that it also offered an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the students' union and the ministry on issues affecting students and society.

"We are here to appreciate the commissioner for his good works and for effectively taking government information to the University community and the larger society," he stated.