NDLEA Proposes Mandatory Drug Tests for University Admission
Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, the Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kwara State, has proposed that universities implement mandatory drug testing for new students as a condition of admission.
She argued that such measures would act as a preventive strategy, allowing for early intervention and counseling for those already using drugs, potentially preventing their escalation into problematic use.
During a recent radio interview in Ilorin, Abiola-Popoola voiced her concerns about the increasing prevalence of drug use in Nigeria, particularly among women. She highlighted the risks this trend poses to families and society, noting that a 2018 survey revealed 14.3 million drug users in the country. Alarmingly, one in seven Nigerians uses drugs, and one in four drug users is female, which she believes is a significant concern given the pivotal role women play in managing households.
