The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing anti-drug campaign of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), pledging support for efforts to curb substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
NANS President, Sola Oladoja, led other executives on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Marwa, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The student leaders also reaffirmed their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his prospective re-election bid in 2027.
Oladoja commended Marwa for what he described as dynamic leadership and sustained successes recorded by the agency against drug cartels.
He particularly praised the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, noting its impact in sensitising students across tertiary institutions.
He said the association’s support for the current administration was based on what he termed visible pro-youth policies, including the student loan scheme, resolution of strikes in tertiary institutions, and youth-focused empowerment programmes.
Responding, Marwa expressed appreciation for the students’ continued support, describing them as a critical segment of the nation’s population.
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“As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart,” he said.
The NDLEA boss stressed the need for closer collaboration with students to tackle drug abuse on campuses, warning of its consequences on health, academic pursuits, families, and society.
“We need to work with you to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of its far-reaching effects,” he added.
On the federal government’s drug integrity test policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure was preventive and not punitive.
According to him, early detection of drug use would enhance treatment and rehabilitation outcomes among youths.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to strengthen collaboration in the campaign against substance abuse in Nigerian schools.
