The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its newly launched drug test policy for schools in Nigeria will drastically reduce the crave to abuse illicit substances by young Nigerians, especially those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
The Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, stated this at the weekend in Abuja.
Marwa, spoke while receiving the Vice Chancellor of the Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, who led a team of his management staff to seek partnership with the Agency on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa expressed delight over the development and expressed the readiness of the NDLEA to work in partnership with the university to fight the menace of drug abuse in the country.
“We are glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba State government on this matter.
“And it’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions that includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students.
“This initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat substance abuse among young people in schools across the country.
“At the NDLEA, we have been pushing for this and we’re happy we have a dependable partner in the Minister of Education and members of his team who worked with us and supported us on this.
“This is not in anyway 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 test.
“We are fully prepared to work with all schools to ensure the success of this great initiative that will make positive impact on youth development, security and national productivity in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” the NDLEA Chairman said.
He commended the Vice Chancellor for leading the pack by establishing a full Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition in the institution, with a promise to support his efforts through capacity building training and other areas of collaboration.
In his remarks, Professor Bako commended the Marwa leadership of NDLEA for its professionalism, openness and collaborative spirit, which he said has earned the Agency national and international accolades.
Bako said : “We are particularly pleased to visit at a time when your excellent and unwavering commitment in the fight against drugs and illicit substances abuse/trafficking earns you another five years of tenure renewal.
“Your relentless efforts in combatting substance abuse have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation.”
He noted that his visit was borne out of his concern about the challenge drug and substance abuse posed among young people.
He said the challenge posed serious threat to academic excellence, moral values, and national development.
“This visit seeks to strengthen the relationship between Taraba State University, Jalingo and the National Drug law Enforcement Agency which started way back since 22nd August, 2024 during the inauguration of the Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of WADA by the NDLEA Taraba State command, as well as the TSU Drug Free Club patrons/officials.
“We firmly believe that effective drug control and prevention require a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and the wider society.
“In this regard, Taraba State University is eager to partner with your agency in areas such as collaborative research on drug abuse and substance use disorder, policy-oriented studies, public enlightenment and sensitization programmes, capacity building training, student internship opportunities, and community outreach initiatives within Taraba State and beyond. Partnership with the NDLEA will further strengthen our institutional policies and programmes in this critical area,” he stated. (vitalnewsngr.com)
