The Federal Government is set to implement a mandatory drug testing policy for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The initiative, jointly proposed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the ministry of education, will also include a review of the secondary school curriculum to integrate drug education.
NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa, announced the plans after a meeting with the minister of education, Tunji Alausa, in Abuja. He said drug use was fuelling criminal activities such as terrorism and banditry, stressing the need for preventive strategies in schools. Marwa also disclosed that more than 40,000 drug offenders had been arrested in the past two years, with over 8,600 convicted.
Also Read: FG Sets 16 as Minimum Admission Age for Tertiary Institutions
Marwa proposed drug testing for new and returning students, as well as random tests on campuses, noting that such measures would deter drug use and promote accountability. He further suggested the introduction of stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in secondary schools, involving lectures, competitions, and parental engagement.
In response, the education minister backed the proposal and called for the formation of a technical working group between both agencies. Alausa confirmed that a new curriculum for secondary schools was already underway and assured that the drug testing policy would be adopted, starting with tertiary institutions.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.