AS part of efforts to combat drug abuse and protect youth development, the Federal Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are set to roll out mandatory drug testing for students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, starting with the 2025/2026 academic session.
A top NDLEA official confirmed to News Point Nigeria that the policy will target newly admitted and returning students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The initiative, he said, will likely begin in September, aligning with the academic calendar of many institutions.
This follows a high-level meeting held in Abuja between the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), where both officials expressed concern over rising substance abuse among students.
“Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible. We are fighting for the souls of our children,” Marwa said.
Backing the initiative, Dr. Alausa declared the Federal Government’s intention to integrate drug testing into student registration procedures. “We will do it. We don’t have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions,” the minister affirmed.
According to figures from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), approximately 800,000 candidates have been offered admission into various institutions for the 2025/2026 session. The drug screening policy will apply to them and may extend to returning students through random tests.
The NDLEA official revealed that a technical working group comprising officials from the agency and the Ministry of Education is finalizing the framework for implementation.
When asked about cost implications, the official clarified that students would cover the cost of the test, which is already being practiced in some institutions as part of their medical registration.
“In places where it is done, the cost is integrated into the school’s medical billing. It’s not expensive—about N5,000,” the source said.
He explained that the tests would typically be conducted in campus clinics or referred to NDLEA facilities, noting that “the test kits are user-friendly and similar to pregnancy tests—simple, fast, and based on urine samples.”
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that the drug test is not meant to punish students but to identify early signs of drug use and offer intervention where necessary.
“This is a public health measure, not a punitive one,” Babafemi explained. “It allows early detection and timely treatment before addiction sets in. It also discourages drug use when students know they could be tested.”
He added that the drug test initiative aligns with broader national policies already in place in the military, police, and even within NDLEA itself for recruitment and promotions.
“Just like HIV and STD tests before marriage, this is just one more health check—one that could save lives,” he noted.
While some parents and student unions have yet to officially respond, education stakeholders anticipate public debate over consent, cost, and privacy.
Still, government officials insist the measure is necessary to tackle a growing national problem.
“This is about safeguarding the future of our youth and reducing the demand for illicit substances,” Babafemi concluded.
As preparations move forward, students and schools nationwide are being urged to prepare for the new policy, which could redefine how substance abuse prevention is addressed in Nigerian higher education.