Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said the newly launched drug test policy for schools in Nigeria will discourage young Nigerians from abusing illicit substances.
Marwa stated this over the weekend when he received Paul Bako, the Vice-Chancellor of the Taraba State University, during a courtesy at the agency’s headquarters.
The policy is to help strengthen the war against illicit drugs trafficking and consumption that have ruined the lives of young Nigerians.
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Bako had led a team of his management staff to seek partnership with the Agency on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
According to the NDLEA boss, “we’re glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba state government on this matter and it’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions that includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students.”
He revealed that the initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the NDLEA to combat substance abuse among young people in schools across the country.
“At the NDLEA, we have been pushing for this and we’re happy we have a dependable partner in the Minister of Education and members of his team who worked with us and supported us on this.”
He noted that rather than being seen as punitive, it should be seen as a strategic push that will largely discourage youths from going into substance abuse because they know at every stage of their education, they will face compulsory drug test.
“We are fully prepared to work with all schools to ensure the success of this great initiative that will make positive impact on youth development, security and national productivity in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
He commended the VC for leading the pack by establishing a full Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition in the institution, with a promise to support his efforts through capacity building training and other areas of collaboration.
In his remarks, Bako commended the Marwa leadership of NDLEA for its professionalism, openness and collaborative spirit, which has earned the Agency national and international accolades.
“We are particularly pleased to visit at a time when your excellent and unwavering commitment in the fight against drugs and illicit substances abuse/trafficking earns you another five years of tenure renewal. Your relentless efforts in combatting substance abuse have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation.”
He noted that his visit was borne out of his concern about the challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people, which poses serious threat to academic excellence, moral values, and national development.
“This visit seeks to strengthen the relationship between Taraba State University, Jalingo and the National Drug law Enforcement Agency which started way back since 22nd August, 2024 during the inauguration of the Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of WADA by the NDLEA Taraba state command, as well as the TSU Drug Free Club patrons/officials.
“We firmly believe that effective drug control and prevention require a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and the wider society.”
He revealed that the Taraba State University is eager to partner with the agency in areas such as collaborative research on drug abuse and substance use disorder, policy-oriented studies, public enlightenment and sensitisation programmes, capacity building training, student internship opportunities, and community outreach initiatives within Taraba state and beyond.
According to him, “the Partnership with the NDLEA will further strengthen our institutional policies and programmes in this critical area.”
