The Nigerian government has announced plans to begin mandatory drug tests for university students in a bold new move to curb rising drug abuse and trafficking among young people.
The initiative will be implemented jointly by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according to a statement released this week.
It comes after a strategic meeting between NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), and Minister of State for Education, Olatunji Alausa.
The two leaders also agreed to introduce a formal drug education curriculum in secondary schools across the country.
“All university students, including incoming freshmen, will be subjected to mandatory drug screening,” Marwa confirmed in an interview with the BBC.
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He explained that the focus will be on educational institutions, where millions of students fall under the direct responsibility of the Education Ministry.
According to Marwa, the absence of early interventions has allowed substance abuse to fester among young people, feeding a cycle of violence and insecurity.
“Drug abuse among young Nigerians is fuelling terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes,” he said.
The NDLEA believes that prevention through education and screening is the most effective strategy for long-term success.
While the policy has sparked debate, the government insists it is acting in the best interests of national stability and youth welfare.
Educational stakeholders have been called upon to support the framework once it is rolled out.
The programme is part of a broader initiative to strengthen drug prevention mechanisms nationwide.
Authorities say that the policy marks a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against the country’s growing drug crisis.
