The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), will begin mandatory drug testing for fresh undergraduates in tertiary institutions starting from the next academic session, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.
This development follows the constitution of a technical working group by the NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Education to finalize modalities for the rollout of the drug integrity testing policy.
According to data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), over 800,000 candidates have been offered admission into various tertiary institutions—including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—for the 2024/2025 academic year.
A senior official of the NDLEA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that preparations were underway for the tests to commence in institutions beginning their academic session in September.
“We have a technical working group already working on that,” the source said. “It’s something that will likely commence with the next academic session.”
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday expressed strong support for the initiative during a meeting with NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in Abuja.
He emphasized the urgent need to address substance abuse among students, warning that it poses a significant threat to their future and national development.
“We will do it. We have to do it. We do not have a choice,” Alausa said. “At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students, as well as random testing.”
Marwa, in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, described drug abuse as a major driver of criminality, including terrorism and banditry.
“We are fighting for the souls of our children,” he said. “Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible.”
The NDLEA clarified that the drug testing would not be punitive, but preventive.
Babafemi explained that it is aimed at early detection, intervention, and counselling for students who may already be experimenting with drugs.
“It’s a medical process; it’s not punitive,” he said. “The purpose is early detection and timely treatment before addiction develops. It also serves as a deterrent.”
On funding, the NDLEA official explained that students would bear the cost of the test, which is already embedded in the medical fees of some institutions that have implemented similar measures.
“For example, in places where it’s already being done, it’s about N5,000. Schools have medical centres and clinics capable of conducting the tests,” he said, adding that even parents could administer the test kits at home, likening it to over-the-counter pregnancy or sugar level tests.
Although details of the implementation are still being finalized, NDLEA officials affirmed that the process would leverage existing school health infrastructures and, where necessary, NDLEA facilities.
The agency also noted that drug testing is becoming standard practice across sectors, including within the military, the Police Service Commission, and the NDLEA itself for recruitment and promotions.
“This is just one more health test,” Babafemi added. “It’s in the best interest of the students and the nation.”