In a bold move aimed at tackling the alarming rise of drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youth, the Federal Government has announced plans to implement mandatory drug testing for all university students across the country. Additionally, the government will revise the national secondary school curriculum to incorporate comprehensive drug education, prevention, and awareness programs.
The decision, revealed on Wednesday by the Min Dr. Tahir , during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, is part of a multi-sectoral initiative targeting the root causes of drug abuse, which has been described as a growing public health crisis in Nigeria.
“The government can no longer look away while a significant portion of our young population is drawn into the dangerous world of drug abuse,” Dr. Mamman said. “Universities are centers for learning and development, and we must ensure they are free of harmful substances that threaten the lives and futures of our youths.”
According to the plan, students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, as well as those currently enrolled, may soon be required to undergo periodic drug screening as a prerequisite for enrollment and continued registration. The Ministry of Education is working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), university authorities, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to finalize modalities and ensure compliance without infringing on human rights.
Meanwhile, a major overhaul of the secondary school curriculum is underway. The new structure will introduce drug education as a core component in civic and health studies. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to make informed decisions and avoid drug use from an early age.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), lauded the initiative, stressing that prevention through education is one of the most effective strategies in the fight against drug addiction. “We have seen disturbing statistics on the levels of drug abuse, especially among youth aged 15 to 30. This policy will not only help identify those at risk but also provide opportunities for early intervention,” Marwa noted.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While many stakeholders, including parents, civil society organizations, and religious leaders, have applauded the initiative as timely and necessary, others have raised concerns about the potential stigmatization of students and the need for proper implementation.
“We support any effort to keep our children safe, but there must be safeguards to protect students’ dignity and privacy,” said Dr. Amina Musa, a university lecturer and youth advocate. “It’s also important to couple drug testing with counseling and rehabilitation, not punishment.”
Education analysts have also pointed out the need for significant investment in school infrastructure, teacher training, and counseling services to ensure the success of the initiative.
As the Federal Government prepares to roll out the policy in the coming months, it is calling for cooperation from all sectors of society to tackle what it describes as a national emergency.
This initiative marks one of the most aggressive efforts yet by the Tinubu-led administration to confront youth drug abuse head-on, sending a clear signal that the government is ready to take decisive action to protect the health and future of the nation’s next generation.