Pecohub The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has stated that the newly launched drug test policy for schools in Nigeria will discourage the craving for illicit substances among young Nigerians, especially those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
Marwa made the statement while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, who led a team of management staff to seek partnership with the Agency in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
According to the NDLEA boss: “We are glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba State Government on this matter. It’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions, which includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students.
“This initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and NDLEA to combat substance abuse among young people in schools across the country.”
Marwa added: “At the NDLEA, we have been pushing for this, and we are happy to have a dependable partner in the Minister of Education and members of his team who worked with us and supported us on this.
“This is not in any way punitive but a strategic push that will largely discourage our youths from going into substance abuse because they know that at every stage of their education, they will face compulsory drug tests.
“We are fully prepared to work with all schools to ensure the success of this great initiative that will make a positive impact on youth development, security and national productivity in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
