The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have agreed on collaborative steps to curb substance abuse among Nigerian youths through educational reforms and compulsory drug testing in tertiary institutions.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, held on Wednesday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Brig Gen Marwa outlined three key areas of cooperation: a review of the secondary school curriculum to strengthen drug education; the introduction of stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in schools, including parent involvement; and the adoption of a drug-testing policy for students in tertiary institutions.
The testing would apply to new admissions, returning students, and randomly selected individuals to ensure campuses remain drug-free.
“The fight against illicit drugs is a fight for the souls of the Nigerian youth,” Marwa said, emphasizing the link between substance abuse and the surge in criminal activities including terrorism and banditry.
He also highlighted NDLEA’s achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s support, noting over 40,000 arrests and seizures exceeding 5,500 metric tons of illicit drugs in the past two years.
Minister Alausa commended Marwa for his dedication and stressed the urgent need to tackle drug abuse as it undermines education, critical thinking, and employment prospects among Nigerian youths.
“Once you use drugs, you are likely to have a dysfunctional family. It is a huge menace that we need to tackle quickly,” he said.
To cement the collaboration, the Minister proposed the formation of an inter-ministerial technical working group and the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry is already reviewing the secondary school curriculum to integrate drug education, with plans to extend this to primary schools.
The Minister also promised to engage the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to partner with NDLEA’s Academy in Jos to strengthen drug education efforts nationwide.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan, announced the immediate launch of the new Substance Use Prevention Unit, signaling the Ministry’s commitment to the partnership.
