The Federal Government has given the green light for the implementation of compulsory and random drug tests in all tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of substance abuse among the nation’s youth.
The decision was made public following a high-level meeting in Abuja on Wednesday between the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd).
In a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, it was disclosed that both parties agreed on a detailed plan aimed at reducing drug use within schools. As part of this strategy, the education minister also pledged to revise the current secondary school curriculum to include more comprehensive drug education and to establish a dedicated Substance Use Prevention Unit within the ministry.
Marwa proposed a three-part intervention which includes updating drug education at all academic levels, launching targeted prevention programs in secondary schools, and implementing mandatory and random drug tests for tertiary institution students, both new and returning.
Describing substance abuse as a severe threat to national security and youth development, Marwa stressed its link to crimes such as terrorism and banditry. He revealed that the NDLEA has arrested over 40,000 drug offenders and confiscated more than 5,500 metric tonnes of illicit drugs in the past two years.
Minister Alausa backed the NDLEA’s proposals, noting that drug abuse negatively affects students’ academic outcomes and future job prospects. He stated that students under the influence often disengage from meaningful education and suffer from diminished critical thinking skills.
“We will proceed with the drug testing of students in tertiary institutions. It’s essential and non-negotiable,” Alausa said.
To drive the plan forward, the minister suggested establishing a joint technical working group between the Ministry of Education and the NDLEA. He also confirmed that the secondary school curriculum is currently being reviewed, with intentions to expand drug education to the primary level.
Furthermore, Alausa committed to enhancing the NDLEA Academy in Jos by partnering with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
