Oluwatobi Adu 
TARABA, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) defends compulsory drug integrity tests in Nigerian tertiary institutions, describing the policy as a preventive strategy to curb rising substance abuse among youths.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, to NDLEA headquarters on Sunday, the agency’s chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), says the initiative aims to protect students, not punish them.
“This is not punitive in any way,” Marwa says. “It is a strategic push that discourages substance abuse because students know they will face compulsory and random drug tests at different stages of their education.”
He explains that the policy, developed jointly with the Federal Ministry of Education, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting youth development, national security and productivity. Marwa adds that NDLEA is ready to partner with universities nationwide to ensure effective implementation.
The NDLEA chairman praises Taraba State University for establishing a Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition, pledging training and technical support to strengthen the initiative.
In response, Professor Bako commends Marwa’s leadership and recent tenure renewal, citing NDLEA’s achievements in safeguarding Nigerian youths. He expresses concern over growing drug use on campuses and calls for deeper collaboration in research, public enlightenment, staff training, student internships and community outreach.
“Effective drug control requires a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement, academic institutions and society at large,” Bako says.
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