In a major step toward combating drug abuse in Nigerian schools, the Federal Government has announced the introduction of compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions across the country.
This bold move was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a recent strategic meeting in Abuja with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd).
Why Drug Tests Are Being Introduced in Nigerian Universities
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, this decision is part of a broader national strategy aimed at curbing substance abuse among Nigerian youths, particularly in higher institutions.
Brig. Gen. Marwa described drug abuse as a serious threat to national security and youth development, linking it to rising criminal activities such as banditry, terrorism, and cultism.
“We are fighting for the souls of our children,” Marwa said, highlighting that over 40,000 drug offenders have been arrested and more than 5,500 metric tonnes of drugs seized in just two years.
Three-Pronged Approach to Drug Prevention in Schools
To fight the growing epidemic of drug abuse, NDLEA proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes:
1. Curriculum reform to incorporate enhanced drug education.
2. Standalone drug prevention programs for secondary schools.
3. Mandatory and random drug testing for both new and returning university students.
Minister Alausa fully endorsed the drug testing policy, saying:
“We will do it. We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.”
New Initiatives: Curriculum Review and Prevention Units
To strengthen the initiative, the Minister announced:
The creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education.
A technical working group with NDLEA to facilitate implementation.
Ongoing curriculum reviews for secondary schools, with plans to cascade drug education into primary school levels.
Alausa stressed the urgency of intervention, citing how drug abuse derails the educational journey of many students:
“When youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school. Even when they do, their critical thinking becomes impaired, and they end up unemployable. That creates a vicious cycle.”
Next Steps and Collaboration
The government also pledged full support to scale up existing school-based drug prevention programmes. Agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will assist in backing NDLEA’s initiatives, including support for the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
Final Thoughts
With the introduction of mandatory drug tests and updated school curricula, Nigeria is taking a proactive and preventive approach to securing the future of its youth. These reforms are expected to foster safer campuses, reduce crime, and produce healthier, more focused students.
What do you think about mandatory drug testing in universities? Should this policy be extended to other educational levels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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