The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has said the newly launched drug test policy for schools will significantly reduce substance abuse among young Nigerians, particularly those seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Marwa stated this at the weekend in Abuja while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Prof Sunday Paul Bako, who led members of the university’s management on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters to seek partnership in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The NDLEA boss said the policy, which introduces compulsory and random drug integrity tests in tertiary institutions, was designed as a preventive and corrective measure rather than a punitive one.
According to him, the initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the NDLEA to discourage young people from engaging in substance abuse.
“We’re glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba State Government on this matter. It is a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions, which includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students,” Marwa said.
He explained that the policy would help curb the craving for illicit substances among youths because they would be aware that drug tests would be conducted at different stages of their educational journey.
“This is not in any way punitive but a strategic push that will largely discourage our youths from going into substance abuse, knowing that at every stage of their education they will face compulsory drug tests,” he added.
Marwa noted that the NDLEA had long advocated the policy and expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education and his team for supporting the initiative.
He assured institutions of the agency’s readiness to work with schools nationwide to ensure the successful implementation of the policy, stressing that it would have a positive impact on youth development, national security and productivity, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NDLEA chairman also commended Taraba State University for establishing a full Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition, describing the move as a model for other tertiary institutions. He pledged the agency’s support through capacity-building training and other areas of collaboration.
In his remarks, Prof Bako praised Marwa’s leadership of the NDLEA, describing it as professional, open and collaborative, qualities he said had earned the agency both national and international recognition.
He congratulated Marwa on the renewal of his tenure, noting that his commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking had helped protect Nigerian youths and safeguard the country’s future.
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Bako said the visit was prompted by growing concerns over drug and substance abuse among young people, which he described as a serious threat to academic excellence, moral values and national development.
He recalled that the relationship between Taraba State University and the NDLEA began in August 2024 with the inauguration of the university’s Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of related anti-drug initiatives.
The vice chancellor said the university was eager to deepen its partnership with the NDLEA in areas such as collaborative research, policy-focused studies, public sensitisation, capacity building, student internships and community outreach programmes within and beyond Taraba State.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would further strengthen the institution’s policies and programmes on drug control and prevention.
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