NDLEA Proposes Drug Test for Admission into Nigerian Universities

NDLEA Proposes Drug Test for Admission into Nigerian Universities

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently proposed a significant policy shift that could shape the future of university admissions in Nigeria. The Kwara State commander of NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, has called for drug tests to become a major requirement for admission seekers into tertiary institutions across the country.

According to her, this step is necessary to combat the growing trend of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, particularly among young women. She emphasized that prevention is always better than cure, and universities must take proactive measures to safeguard the next generation.

The Growing Concern of Drug Abuse in Nigeria

A national survey conducted in 2018 revealed that over 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 were drug users. Startlingly, one in every seven Nigerians is estimated to be a drug user, and one out of every four drug users is female.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for policies that address drug abuse. The NDLEA commander warned that when women—who often serve as the backbone of homes and communities—are caught in drug abuse, the ripple effects can destabilize entire families and societies.

Why Drug Testing for Admission?

Abiola-Popoola explained that making drug tests compulsory for admission seekers would serve as a preventive strategy. By ensuring that students entering universities are drug-free, institutions can help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and its related consequences, such as poor academic performance, violence, and health risks.

She also stressed that such measures would encourage young people to stay away from drugs, knowing that it could jeopardize their chances of gaining admission into higher institutions.

The Role of Traditional Rulers in the Fight

Traditional rulers have always been influential voices in Nigerian communities. The NDLEA commander emphasized that they remain crucial stakeholders in the war against drug abuse. Their influence, respect, and closeness to the grassroots make them powerful allies in curbing this menace.

She pointed out that whenever traditional leaders speak against drug trafficking and abuse, their subjects listen and often comply. The NDLEA has, therefore, been collaborating with monarchs across Nigeria to strengthen community mobilization against drug abuse.

Government Support: War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)

In 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, aimed at mobilizing communities nationwide to combat drug abuse. Traditional rulers were prominently represented during the launch, underscoring the importance of community leadership in this national struggle.

According to Abiola-Popoola, the involvement of community leaders ensures that NDLEA’s efforts are reinforced at the grassroots, where drug abuse often begins.

Community Engagement and Support

During her courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Abiola-Popoola expressed appreciation for the monarch’s unwavering support for the agency’s mission. She revealed that the Emir had pledged to mobilize other traditional rulers in Kwara State to back NDLEA’s initiatives, ensuring that every community is actively involved.

This partnership highlights the importance of synergy between law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions, and the general public in tackling drug abuse in Nigeria.

Implications for Students and Parents

If NDLEA’s proposal is adopted, students seeking admission into Nigerian universities may soon need to undergo compulsory drug testing. While some may see this as an additional hurdle, others view it as a positive move toward fostering discipline and responsibility among youths.

Parents are also encouraged to play a more active role in monitoring their children and guiding them away from harmful substances. The NDLEA believes that combining institutional policies with parental guidance and community involvement will significantly reduce drug abuse.

Conclusion

Drug abuse remains one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian society today, and the proposal to make drug testing a requirement for university admission is a bold but necessary step. Whether or not it becomes official policy, the conversation it has sparked is a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the future of Nigeria’s youths.

To read more about educational reforms and student admission processes, check out our guide on how to check O’level results on JAMB portal.