Ministry of Education and NDLEA Unveil Mandatory Drug Tests for Tertiary Students

Editor July 31, 2025Last Updated: July 31, 2025

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By DAYO ADESULU

In a significant policy shift, the Federal Ministry of Education, led by Dr. Tunji Alausa, has teamed up with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to introduce compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions nationwide—an initiative aimed at curbing the worrying rise in substance abuse among young adults.

Ministry of Education New Drug Test Policy for Tertiary Students

During a Wednesday meeting in Abuja chaired by Dr. Alausa and NDLEA Chief Brig‑Gen Buba Marwa (retd), the Federal Ministry of Education endorsed mandatory drug screening for new students, returning students, and random sampling—a bold step for national drug control policy. This move aligns with NDLEA’s previous calls, made since 2022, that drug integrity tests become institutional policy across Nigerian universities and colleges.

NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, detailed broader collaboration: revised secondary school consumption education, standalone prevention programs in schools, and a new Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Education Ministry.

Ministry of Education Drug Integrity Policy Rooted in Public Health, Not Punishment

NDLEA emphasizes that the drug tests are early detection tools—not punitive measures. Students who test positive will receive counselling or intervention rather than facing rustication. Institutions lacking internal autonomy will be linked to NDLEA’s nationwide counselling centres and mental health support structures.

This policy extends long-standing proposals from NDLEA chiefs and the Ministry of Education stakeholders urging that tertiary institutions adopt consistent anti-drug policies for returning and fresh students.

Youth Substance Abuse: National Security Risk

Brig‑Gen Marwa highlighted drug abuse as a major threat to national stability, tied to issues like terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. In the last two years, NDLEA has arrested over 40,000 offenders and seized more than 5,500 metric tonnes of illicit substances.

Echoing this urgency, Dr. Alausa warned:

“Drug-addled youth cannot access functional education or become employable. Their cognitive ability dims, and a vicious cycle of poor decisions follows.”

Curriculum Reforms: Drug Education to Begin at Secondary Level

In parallel with testing, the Ministry of Education approved a full review of the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content. They plan standalone prevention initiatives and broader primary school inclusion in due course.

Dr. Alausa also announced formation of an inter-ministerial technical working group, involving the Universal Basic Education Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund, to coordinate implementation and support NDLEA’s existing academy programs.

Why the Policy Matters: Impacts and Implications

For Students

The initiative promotes early detection and treatment, avoiding criminalization.
It supports mental wellness and educational reintegration rather than punishment.

For Institutions

Establishing secure NDLEA outposts on campuses deters drug dealings.
Implementation of WADA clubs and preventative education strengthens awareness.

For National Security and Youth Development

Tackling drug abuse early helps suppress crime drivers.
It aligns with the government’s goal to create a safer, more productive youth population.

Q&A: Policy in Action & Public Reception

Question	Answer
Is testing punitive?	No. It’s designed for health intervention and counselling, not expulsion.
What support exists?	NDLEA runs 30+ treatment and counselling centres nationwide and offers 24/7 mental health hotlines.
Who’s monitoring?	A joint Ministry-NDLEA working group coordinates curriculum and testing frameworks.
What about secondary schools?	Revised curriculum and standalone programs are in development and will include primary schools later.

✅ Conclusion: A Proactive, Collaborative Step Forward

The Federal Ministry of Education’s approval of compulsory drug integrity tests for tertiary institution students—coupled with revised drug education and health-focused interventions—marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s youth development strategy. Anchored in public health, policy emphasizes prevention over punishment.

If effectively implemented, this comprehensive approach could significantly reduce substance abuse, restore student well-being, and reinforce institutions as safer learning environments. A youth population educated, tested, and supported is essential to national progress.

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