By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has expressed strong optimism that the newly launched drug test policy for schools across Nigeria will significantly reduce substance abuse among young people, particularly those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
Marwa made this known at the weekend while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, who led a delegation of the university’s management staff on a courtesy visit to the Agency to seek partnership in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss explained that the new policy, which mandates compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions, is a preventive strategy designed to discourage drug use rather than punish offenders. He noted that the initiative is a joint effort of the Federal Ministry of Education and the NDLEA, aimed at tackling the rising challenge of substance abuse among youths in schools nationwide.
“We’re 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,” Marwa said. “This initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to combat substance abuse among young people in schools across the country.”
According to him, the NDLEA has long advocated the introduction of drug testing within the education system and is encouraged by the strong support received from the Minister of Education and his team in bringing the policy to fruition.
“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,” he stated. “This is not in any way punitive but a strategic push that will largely discourage our youths from going into substance abuse because they know 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.”
Marwa also commended Professor Bako for what he described as a bold and proactive step taken by Taraba State University in establishing a full Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition within the institution. He described the university as leading the pack in institutional efforts to address drug abuse and pledged the NDLEA’s support through capacity-building training and other collaborative interventions.
In his remarks, Professor Bako praised the leadership of Brigadier General Marwa for the professionalism, openness and collaborative spirit that have continued to earn the NDLEA both national and international recognition. He congratulated the NDLEA chairman on the renewal of his tenure, describing it as a testament to his outstanding performance in the fight against drugs.
“We are particularly pleased to visit at a time when your excellent and unwavering commitment in the fight against drugs and illicit substances abuse and trafficking earns you another five years of tenure renewal,” Bako said. “Your relentless efforts in combatting substance abuse have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation.”
The Vice Chancellor explained that the visit was motivated by his concern over the growing problem of drug and substance abuse among young people, which he said poses a serious threat to academic excellence, moral values and national development.
He recalled that the partnership between Taraba State University and the NDLEA dates back to August 22, 2024, when the university inaugurated its Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative in collaboration with the NDLEA Taraba State Command, alongside the inauguration of the TSU Drug Free Club patrons and officials.
“This visit seeks to strengthen the relationship between Taraba State University, Jalingo and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” Professor Bako said, adding that effective drug control and prevention require a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions and the wider society.
He further disclosed that Taraba State University is eager to deepen its collaboration with the NDLEA in areas such as joint research on drug abuse and substance use disorders, policy-oriented studies, public enlightenment and sensitisation programmes, capacity-building training, student internship opportunities and community outreach initiatives within Taraba State and beyond. According to him, such partnership would further strengthen the university’s institutional policies and programmes aimed at creating a drug-free academic environment.
