FG Mandates Drug Testing For University And Poly Students

‎The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education have reached an agreement to make drug integrity tests mandatory for tertiary institution students and to revise the secondary school curriculum to include drug education.
‎
‎In a statement issued on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced plans for compulsory and random drug integrity testing in higher institutions to tackle drug abuse among students.
‎
‎The minister also noted that NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), recommended a three-pronged strategy to address drug abuse: updating drug education in schools, introducing targeted prevention programs at the secondary level, and enforcing drug testing policies in tertiary institutions for both new and returning students, along with random tests.
‎
‎Marwa praised the minister for his forward-thinking efforts in addressing challenges within the education sector and stressed the alarming rise in drug use among young people.
‎
‎He described the drug crisis as a major threat to youth development and national security, pointing out its connection to crimes such as terrorism and banditry.
‎
‎Marwa added that the agency had arrested more than 40,000 drug offenders and confiscated over 5,500 metric tonnes of illegal substances in the last two years.
‎
‎He explained: “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. Nigeria travel packages
‎
‎“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” he said.
‎
‎The Minister praised Marwa for his dedication and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria.
‎
‎”Since I met him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country. And you could see the passion in the way that he laid out the problems in the country and what he wanted us to do. And as he was talking, I made a note, and it was as if I had seen his prepared comments. Thank you so much for making this visit.”
‎
‎Alausa emphasized that the drug crisis is a serious issue that requires direct and decisive action.
‎