FG Supports Mandatory Drug Testing for Tertiary Students in Nationwide Campaign Against Substance Abuse

The Federal Government supports mandatory drug testing for students in tertiary institutions as part of a new strategy to tackle drug abuse among Nigerian youths. The decision followed a meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where concerns were raised about the increasing rate of substance abuse in schools.

According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the policy will cover new, returning, and randomly selected students across all tertiary institutions. The initiative aims to discourage drug use, support early detection, and offer rehabilitation rather than punishment for affected students.

This move comes in response to alarming statistics from the NDLEA between 2023 and 2025. The agency attributes much of the problem to the widespread use of substances like tramadol among young people.

In addition to drug testing, the government plans to revise secondary school curricula to include drug education and introduce targeted prevention programs in schools. These efforts will feature awareness campaigns, student clubs, competitions, and parental involvement.

To support these initiatives, the Ministry of Education will establish a Substance Use Prevention Unit and work with NDLEA, UBEC, and TETFund to coordinate implementation. It is suggested that an inter-ministerial team will oversee policy rollout and ensure nationwide compliance.

The policy is intended to be preventive, not punitive, focusing on protecting students and promoting healthier learning environments. Authorities believe this holistic approach will help reshape attitudes and curb the growing threat of drug abuse in Nigeria’s academic institutions.

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