The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (retd), has said the agency is strengthening partnerships with universities and other schools to tackle substance abuse following the introduction of a new drug test policy for tertiary institutions.
Marwa spoke at the weekend when he received the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, who led members of the university management to the NDLEA headquarters to seek collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He explained that the new policy, which provides for compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students, was designed to discourage young Nigerians from abusing illicit substances, especially those seeking admission into higher institutions.
According to him, the initiative is a joint effort of the Federal Ministry of Education and the NDLEA, aimed at protecting students and promoting a drug free learning environment across the country.
“We are glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba State Government on this matter. What you are doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions which includes compulsory and random drug tests for students,” Marwa said.
He added that the policy was not intended to punish students but to deter them from drug abuse by making them aware that drug tests would be a constant requirement throughout their academic journey.
“This is not in any way punitive. It is a strategic step to discourage our youths from substance abuse because they know that at every stage of their education, they will face compulsory drug tests,” he stated.
Marwa noted that the NDLEA was ready to work with schools nationwide to ensure the success of the policy, describing it as critical to youth development, national security and productivity, in line with the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu.
He also commended the Taraba State University management for establishing a Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition in the institution, assuring that the agency would support the initiative through training and other forms of collaboration.
In his remarks, Professor Bako praised the leadership of the NDLEA for its professionalism and openness, which he said had earned the agency both national and international recognition.
He said the visit was prompted by growing concern over drug and substance abuse among young people, describing it as a serious threat to academic excellence, moral values and national development.
Bako explained that the partnership between the university and the NDLEA had started in August 2024, during the inauguration of the Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of related anti drug programmes by the NDLEA Taraba State Command.
“We believe that effective drug control requires a multi sector approach involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions and the wider society,” he said.
He added that Taraba State University was ready to collaborate with the NDLEA in areas such as research on drug abuse, policy studies, public sensitisation, capacity building, student internship programmes and community outreach within and outside the state.
