Federal Govt Approves Drug Testing In Tertiary Institutions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that his administration has adopted National Implementation Guidelines on Drug and Substance Use in Nigerian Institutions, which included drug testing for tertiary institutions to curb drug use by students.

The president, who was represented by the minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, at the 43rd convocation and Founder’s Day celebration of Federal University of Technology, Minna, said that the policy would make learning environment safe.

He said, ” This policy is the National Implementation Guidelines on Drug and Substance Use in Nigerian Institutions, which represents a significant advancement in education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda . Through the Substance Abuse Prevention Unit (SAPU), the Federal Ministry of Education has strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the rising incidence of drug abuse among students” .

“I must emphasize that the welfare of our youth is central to national development, as drug abuse undermines cognitive development, academic performance and overall security” the president added.

According to him, ” the strategy outlined in the policy was comprehensive, encompassing curriculum enhancement, awareness and sensitization initiatives, teacher capacity building, and the implementation of drug-testing policies in tertiary institutions”.

He said , the measures were designed to promote safer learning environments and safeguard the future of the young people.