The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the newly launched drug test policy for schools will significantly discourage young Nigerians from abusing illicit substances, especially those seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Marwa made this known while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, who led members of the university’s management on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters to explore partnership opportunities in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
According to the NDLEA boss, the compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students form part of a new national policy for tertiary institutions, jointly developed by the Federal Ministry of Education and the NDLEA, aimed at addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse among youths.
“We’re glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba State Government on this matter. What you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions that includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students,”
He stressed that the policy is not punitive but preventive, noting that regular drug testing at different stages of education would serve as a strong deterrent to substance abuse.
“This is not in any way punitive but a strategic push that will largely discourage our youths from going into substance abuse because they know that at every stage of their education, they will face compulsory drug tests,”
Marwa added that the agency is fully prepared to work with schools nationwide to ensure the success of the initiative, describing it as critical to youth development, national security and productivity, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He also commended Prof. Bako for pioneering the establishment of a Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition at Taraba State University, pledging NDLEA’s support through capacity-building training and other collaborative efforts.
In his remarks, Prof. Bako praised Marwa’s leadership of the NDLEA, describing it as professional, open and collaborative, attributes he said have earned the agency national and international recognition.
“We are particularly pleased to visit at a time when your unwavering commitment in the fight against drugs and illicit substances has earned you another five years of tenure renewal. Your relentless efforts have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation,”
The Vice Chancellor explained that his visit was driven by concerns over the rising incidence of drug and substance abuse among young people, which he said poses serious threats to academic excellence, moral values and national development.
He noted that the partnership between Taraba State University and the NDLEA dates back to August 22, 2024, during the inauguration of the university’s Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative by the NDLEA Taraba State Command.
Prof. Bako emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to drug control and prevention, involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions and the wider society.
He said the university is eager to collaborate with the NDLEA in areas such as research on substance use disorder, policy-oriented studies, public enlightenment and sensitization programmes, capacity-building training, student internships and community outreach initiatives within Taraba State and beyond.
According to him, such collaboration will further strengthen the institution’s policies and programmes aimed at promoting a drug-free academic environment.