by Godwin Orozo-
The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce compulsory drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions across the country, as part of broader efforts to curb rising drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
The move, a joint initiative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education, will also see the integration of comprehensive drug education into the national secondary school curriculum.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure during a meeting with the agency in Abuja.
According to Dr. Alausa, “We are introducing both compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions. This is necessary to curb the growing rate of drug addiction among our young people.”
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), who led the agency’s delegation, proposed a three-pronged strategy to tackle the drug crisis: a revised drug education curriculum for schools, standalone prevention programs in secondary schools, and a drug testing policy in tertiary institutions that targets both new and returning students.
“We are fighting for the souls of our children,” Marwa declared. “Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible. The drug problem is not just a social issue, it is a threat to national security and youth development.”
Marwa cited disturbing links between drug abuse and violent crimes such as terrorism and banditry, emphasizing the urgency of government intervention. “In the last two years alone, we’ve arrested over 40,000 drug offenders and seized more than 5,500 metric tonnes of illicit substances,” he added.
He stressed the need for strong partnerships across sectors, particularly the education system. “The purpose of this visit is to seek collaboration with this esteemed ministry in our collective efforts towards drug control in Nigeria. Our focus will be on schools and educational institutions.”
Dr. Alausa, in his remarks, praised Marwa’s leadership and unwavering commitment to national service. “Since I met him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country with the same passion. You could see it in how he laid out the problem and what actions he expects from us,” the Minister said.
He acknowledged the severity of the drug abuse crisis, calling it “a huge problem that must be tackled head-on.”
Both agencies affirmed their readiness to work together in reshaping Nigeria’s approach to drug prevention and youth welfare.
