Health

Student Life Under Scrutiny: Nigeria Introduces Campus Drug Tests

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 31st, 2025.

– Minister of Education

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to roll out compulsory drug testing for university students, alongside a revamped secondary school curriculum that includes drug education. This bold move, announced today by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), aims to tackle the growing substance abuse crisis among Nigerian youth.

With a staggering 14.3% drug use prevalence among young Nigerians—far above the global average of 5.6% (UNODC, 2021)—this initiative draws inspiration from successful U.S. programs, where mandatory testing reduced student substance use by 10% (Institute of Education Sciences, 2007). NDLEA plans to conduct tests for new students, those returning from vacations, and random checks, with consequences short of expulsion to encourage compliance.

Education Minister Maruf Olatunji Alausa has praised NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) for his commitment, emphasizing early intervention. A 2019 WHO study backs this approach, showing a 25% reduction in lifetime drug dependency with adolescent education.

Will this policy reshape Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse?