The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has backed the introduction of compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions across the country.

This decision followed a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd), where both parties discussed measures to curb substance abuse among students.

In a statement on Wednesday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the minister also approved a review of the current secondary school curriculum to incorporate updated drug education and committed to forming an inter-ministerial working group with the NDLEA.

Babafemi said the NDLEA boss had proposed a three-pronged approach: revising drug education content in schools, introducing stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in secondary schools, and implementing a drug testing policy for tertiary institutions, including for new students, returning students, and random testing.

Marwa described the drug scourge as a threat to national security and youth development, citing its links to criminal activities such as terrorism and banditry.

He disclosed that the agency had arrested over 40,000 drug offenders and seized more than 5,500 metric tonnes of drugs in the past two years.

“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” he said.

Responding, Alausa acknowledged the urgency of the problem, stating: “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.

“At the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower.

“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. They’re not functional.”

The minister stated that drug tests for fresh and returning students in tertiary institutions would be done.

He said, “You also said something very important about the drug test policy in tertiary institutions. We will do it.

“We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.”

He announced the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the ministry and confirmed that a revised curriculum for secondary schools was underway.

Alausa said, “I would suggest we form a technical working group, an inter-ministerial working group between our ministry and NDLEA.

“As a result, I would also like to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry.

“We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the Director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school.

“We need to incorporate both primary and secondary schools into their curriculum. But the one for secondary school, we can do that now. We’re currently developing their new curriculum.

“Also, on the stand-alone school programmes, I agree with you fully. We should also design ongoing programmes in our schools. That we can roll out, and cascade down.”

The minister also committed to working with the Universal Basic Education Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund to support the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State.

Punch

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In the quest to eradicate drug abuse and addiction to hard drugs in Enugu North Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, met with the Commander, Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Abel Sunu, to discuss strategies that will aid drug interceptions and intervention across the 13 political wards in the council.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday at the State Headquarters of NDLEA located at Independence Layout, Enugu, brought to the fore a fruitful discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the agency and Enugu North Local Government Area. The aim is to enhance intelligence gathering, encourage proactive community involvement, and build stronger structures for swift, coordinated responses.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh stated that the council is currently exploring ways to better align efforts in safeguarding critical areas in the council.

He explained that his leadership has identified hard drug intake as a major threat to the growth and well-being of youths in the area.

“We are not just paying attention to the symptoms; we are going deep to tackle the root of this issue. Our goal is to cut off the supply chain and offer genuine help to those already affected. This is not a fight we can win alone, which is why working with agencies like the NDLEA is vital,” Dr. Onoh said.

“Our young people deserve a future free from the dangers of drug abuse. Through this collaboration, we hope to reach them before the streets do. Rehabilitation, education, and vigilance must go hand in hand if we are to reclaim our communities.”

Dr. Onoh also stated that this move aligns with the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in addressing challenges associated with hard drug use across the state.

Also speaking, the Commander, Narcotics of NDLEA, Mr. Abel Sunu, praised Dr. Onoh for his efforts towards improving the welfare of residents in Enugu North Local Government.

He stated that the partnership with the council is timely, as it will strengthen their shared efforts in securing the area and safeguarding future generations.

He also commended the efforts of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in making Enugu one of the safest states in Nigeria, while also emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in the fight against hard drug intake through sustained enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.

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