The Federal Government has approved mandatory drug tests for all students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, in a new move to curb rising drug abuse among youths.
This decision followed a meeting between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Wednesday that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, backed the introduction of both compulsory and random drug integrity tests for university and polytechnic students.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), proposed a three-pronged strategy: Revising the secondary school curriculum to incorporate drug education, Introducing standalone prevention programs in secondary schools, Implementing drug tests for both new and returning students in tertiary institutions, including random testing.
Marwa praised the minister’s proactive steps and emphasized that the rising drug use among young Nigerians threatens national security and development. He noted its connection to crimes like terrorism and banditry.
“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” Marwa said, adding that over 40,000 drug offenders have been arrested and more than 5,500 metric tonnes of illicit substances seized in just two years.
“The purpose of this visit is to seek collaboration with the Ministry of Education, focusing on schools as a key battleground in the drug war,” he added.
In response, Alausa praised Marwa’s passion and long-standing dedication to national service. “Since I met him 30 years ago, his energy and commitment have not waned. The problem is massive, and we must tackle it directly,” the minister said.
Both parties agreed that without urgent and sustained action, Nigeria’s youth remain at grave risk.
