In a bold move to tackle the rising rate of substance abuse among Nigerian youths, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has thrown full support behind the introduction of mandatory and random drug tests for students in tertiary institutions across the country.
This development follows a high-level meeting in Abuja on Wednesday between the Minister and the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), where both leaders discussed comprehensive strategies to curb drug use among young Nigerians.
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the meeting produced several resolutions, including the formation of an inter-ministerial working group, curriculum reviews, and the establishment of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education.
Marwa proposed a three-fold approach: revamping drug education in schools, launching stand-alone drug abuse prevention programs in secondary schools, and enforcing drug integrity testing for all students in higher institutions — including freshers, returning students, and through random checks. He emphasized the gravity of the issue, describing drug abuse as a threat to national security and a fuel for crimes like terrorism and banditry.
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“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” Marwa stated, revealing that the NDLEA has arrested over 40,000 drug offenders and seized over 5,500 metric tonnes of drugs in just two years.
Dr. Alausa acknowledged the urgency, warning that drug use among youths leads to academic decline and long-term unemployability. “When youths are into drugs, they stop being functional. Their critical thinking and decision-making skills deteriorate. It’s a vicious cycle,” he said.
He assured that drug testing in tertiary institutions would begin soon. “We have to do it. We do not have a choice,” he declared, committing also to incorporating substance education into both secondary and primary school curriculums.
Additionally, the Minister expressed support for the NDLEA Academy in Jos, promising collaboration with UBEC and TETFUND to strengthen its operations.
This new drug testing policy marks a major step in Nigeria’s effort to reduce youth drug abuse and promote a safer academic environment.
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