The Federal Government plans to start drug tests for new students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria beginning from the next academic session, expected to start in September.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working with the Ministry of Education, has set up a technical group to begin the exercise. This will affect around 800,000 fresh students who were offered admission this year, according to data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, an NDLEA official confirmed that “plans are being fine-tuned” and the drug tests will most likely begin this new school year.
The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said drug abuse among students threatens national security and their future.
“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also supported the move, saying, “We’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students, as well as random testing. We do not have a choice.”
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the drug tests are not meant to punish students.
“It’s a medical process. The purpose is early detection. This allows for timely counselling and treatment,” he said.
Babafemi explained that the tests are simple and urine-based, similar to pregnancy tests.
“Even parents can do it at home,” he added.
Students, not the government, will likely bear the cost of the drug tests, which could be included in their medical fees.
“In schools already doing it, it costs about N5,000,” the NDLEA official said.
However, the plan has drawn criticism from university officials and experts.
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Dr. Chris Piwuna, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and a psychiatrist, said drug tests would not solve the problem.
“The students are not the enemy. Let’s reach out with science, not suspicion,” he said.
Piwuna argued that mandatory testing may only push students to hide drug use.
“They’ll simply abstain for a few days before the test. We’ll miss those who need help,” he said.
He urged the government to invest in awareness and counselling instead.
Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, also disagreed with the plan.
“We should not start a policy we cannot execute,” he said, pointing to overcrowded hostels and poor infrastructure.
Haruna noted that some students use drugs to escape harsh living conditions.
“Fix the environment first. Don’t politicise or oversimplify a serious public health issue,” he said.
He also questioned whether the government had enough medical staff to test and support students and whether private institutions would be included.
“Fix the causes, not just the symptoms. Create safe, enabling environments. Involve parents, students, and educators in making good policies,” Haruna advised.
While the government pushes forward, the debate continues on whether drug testing students will help or hurt the fight against substance abuse in schools.