800,000 fresh undergraduates to face NDLEA drug tests from September

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Ministry of Education have raised a technical working group for the implementation of compulsory drug tests for students of tertiary institutions in the country, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

A top official of the NDLEA, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, confirmed that plans were being fine-tuned for the exercise to kick off at the onset of the next academic session in schools.

Although higher institutions operate different calendars, some will begin new academic sessions in September.

Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board indicate that no fewer than 800,000 candidates have been offered admission this year.

This decision followed a meeting in Abuja with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), where both parties discussed measures to curb substance abuse among students.

A statement by NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, quoted Marwa as describing drug abuse as a threat to national security and youth development, citing its links to criminal activities such as terrorism and banditry.

“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible, ” he said.

In his remarks, the education minister agreed with Marwa, noting that drug abuse negatively impacts the youth and their pursuit.

He added, “Their ability to make informed decisions in the latter part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional.”

Alausa, therefore, declared the resolve of the Federal Government to introduce drug tests for students in higher institutions.