Education Minister announces mandatory drug testing for varsity students
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced plans to implement compulsory and random drug testing for students in higher institutions nationwide.
The announcement follows a meeting between the Education Minister and NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in Abuja on Wednesday, where they discussed ways to tackle the growing issue of drug abuse among students.
Alausa expressed strong support for the NDLEA’s proposed three-pronged strategy to tackle drug use: revising drug education content in schools, introducing stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in secondary schools, and implementing a drug testing policy in universities and other higher institutions. The policy would cover new and returning students as well as random testing during the academic year.
Describing the drug problem as a national security threat, Marwa highlighted the link between substance abuse and criminal activities including terrorism and banditry. He revealed that over the past two years, the NDLEA had arrested more than 40,000 drug offenders and confiscated over 5,500 metric tonnes of drugs. “We are fighting for the souls of our children,” he said. “Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible.”
READ ALSO: NDLEA justifies plan for drug testing in higher institutions
The education minister echoed these concerns, stressing the long-term damage drug abuse causes to students’ academic and cognitive development. “When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school, and even when they go to school, they are not getting a functional education,” Alausa said. “Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle.”
Alausa announced the formation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education and confirmed that a revised secondary school curriculum is already in development.
He added that plans are in motion to integrate drug education into both primary and secondary school levels. “We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. That’s why I’ve asked the Director of Senior Secondary School to be here so we can find a way to cascade it down to primary school,” he said.
READ ALSO: NDLEA seeks drug tests for all prospective corps members
In addition, the minister called for the establishment of a technical inter-ministerial working group between the Ministry of Education and the NDLEA. He also pledged collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
