Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Reports to: Programs/MERL Manager

Location: Accra, Ghana

Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (May be requested to work later when necessary)

Overview

The JA Africa Programs Assistant is responsible for supporting the Programs Manager with program leadership, new business development, and database management. As well, the PA will provide support for stakeholder engagement and special events.

The PA will assist in program design and development, award management, monitoring and evaluation and reporting, and will help help design training materials for Member Nations.

The PA also supports with administrative processes of the office, including scheduling meetings and minute-taking.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Programs Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of our programs. Your responsibilities will include:

  1. Program Support:
    • Assist in planning, organizing, and executing program activities and events.
    • Monitor program schedules and ensure timely delivery of key milestones.
    • Support data collection, entry, and analysis for program monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
  2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
    • Collaborate with the M&E team to design and implement tools for data collection and tracking.
    • Assist in gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to assess program outcomes.
    • Prepare M&E reports and presentations to share program insights with stakeholders.
    • Contribute to ensuring that programs meet established goals, targets, and indicators.
  3. Administrative Support:
    • Maintain program documentation, records, and reports.
    • Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, and take minutes.
    • Communicate with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and funders, as needed.
  4. Logistics Coordination:
    • Assist in organizing logistics for workshops, training sessions, and events.
    • Manage procurement of program-related materials and supplies.
  5. Communication:
    • Prepare and distribute program-related communication materials.
    • Respond to inquiries from beneficiaries and partners in a timely and professional manner.
  6. Other Duties:
    • Provide additional support to the Programs Manager and team as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Economics, Program Management, Education or other relevant field
  • Academic or professional training or experience in program monitoring and evaluation or a similar role, preferably in an NGO setting
  • At least 1-2 years of relevant full-time work experience (internship experience also acceptable)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data analysis tools
  • Strong written & oral communication skills
  • High level of attention to detail and organized
  • Strong interest in social entrepreneurship and youth economic empowerment
  • Strong computer literacy (must be proficient with MS Office)
  • Strong work ethic, maturity, fast learner and high level of discernment
  • Native proficiency in English  – Professional working fluency in French strongly desired
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

METHOD OF APPLY:

Please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@ja-africa.org with subject line “Application for Programs Assistant Position – Your Name” (e.g. Application for Programs Assistant Position – Yaw Barima), no later than Friday, February 7, 2025 at 5pm GMT.

NB: Please use the following naming convention for your application documents: “CV – Applicant’s Name” and “Cover Letter – Applicant’s Name” Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be resident in Ghana and have legal authorization to

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By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.