Starting from the next academic session, the Federal Government is set to introduce mandatory drug tests for students of tertiary institutions across the country, targeting approximately 800,000 newly admitted undergraduates.
According to The PUNCH, the move, spearheaded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at curbing the rising rate of substance abuse among youths.
A top official of the NDLEA who confirmed the development said the implementation framework is already being developed by a technical working group made up of officials from the NDLEA and the Ministry.
“It’s something that will likely commence with the next academic session. A technical team is already working on the modalities,” the official told Saturday PUNCH on the condition of anonymity.
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), over 800,000 candidates have secured admission into higher institutions this year, with a similar pattern recorded over the past four academic years. The NDLEA and education ministry have resolved that drug tests will now be included as part of the registration processes for both new and returning students, subject to random checks thereafter.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), at a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described substance abuse as “a serious threat to national security and youth development.” Marwa said, “We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible.”
Backing the initiative, Dr. Alausa affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enforcing the policy. “We have no choice. We will commence the drug integrity test for fresh and returning students. This is not to punish but to protect them and the society,” he said.
However, there is debate over how the policy will be implemented. The NDLEA official said students would likely bear the cost of the test, which could be incorporated into their medical fees, similar to how some institutions already operate. He added that the test is simple and inexpensive, likening it to pregnancy or blood sugar tests, and can be conducted in campus clinics or designated NDLEA facilities.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that the proposed drug tests should not be seen as punitive. “This is a public health intervention. Early detection allows for timely counselling and treatment. It’s a way to discourage drug use, not criminalize students,” he said.
Despite government’s intentions, the initiative has met resistance from stakeholders in the education sector.
President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Chris Piwuna, a psychiatrist, criticized the approach as counterproductive. “This policy lacks scientific backing and won’t reduce substance use. It will only push students to hide their struggles,” he argued.
Piwuna suggested that funds intended for testing be diverted towards advocacy and counselling support. “What students need is empathy, not surveillance. Force does not change behaviour,” he added.
Similarly, Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Andrew Haruna, raised concerns about the practicality and sustainability of the initiative. “We should not start what we can’t sustain. Many of our schools are overstretched. Where are the medical personnel and facilities to support this?” he queried.
Haruna pointed to broader societal issues driving drug abuse, including poor living conditions and economic hardship. “Fix the root causes. Improve student welfare, learning environments, and infrastructure. That’s how we begin to tackle drug abuse meaningfully,” he said.
He also questioned whether the policy would be equally enforced in private institutions and warned against introducing policies that could further burden already struggling public institutions.