Momodu Hails Compulsory Drug Test for Tertiary Students

Urges Extension to Secondary Schools

From Paul Orude 

A former Director of Technical Services at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), DCG Momodu Sule (rtd), has applauded the recent decision to introduce compulsory NDLEA integrity drug tests for students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

In a statement on Thursday, Momodu commended NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa for what he described as a bold and visionary move to tackle drug abuse among young people.

According to him, the initiative has the potential to significantly reduce cases of substance abuse, thereby safeguarding the future of the nation’s youth from what he termed “self-destruction.”

“I want to commend the Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Muhamed Buba Marwa, and the Minister of Education on their bold decision to have students of tertiary institutions undergo compulsory NDLEA integrity drug tests,” Momodu stated.

 “The introduction of this test will certainly go a long way to curbing incidences of drug abuse among our youths.”

The retired NDLEA chief urged the Minister of Education to extend the policy to secondary school students, stressing that early intervention is key to preventing addiction and other drug-related problems.

He also called for the inclusion of drug education in the curriculum of Colleges of Education and Faculties of Education across the country, making it a compulsory component of teacher training programmes.

“This is necessary to ensure that future educators are well-equipped to teach young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.

The NDLEA has in recent years intensified its anti-drug campaigns and enforcement activities, with Marwa consistently advocating preventive measures such as mandatory drug testing, public awareness, and rehabilitation programmes.

The  compulsory testing initiative is expected to be rolled out in tertiary institutions nationwide in the coming academic sessions.