President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the adoption of the National Implementation Guidelines on Drug and Substance Use in Nigerian Institutions, a policy that introduces drug testing in tertiary institutions as part of efforts to curb substance abuse among students.
The President, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, made this known at the 43rd convocation and Founder’s Day ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He said the initiative is aimed at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment across higher institutions.
According to him, the policy marks a major step in the education reforms being pursued under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He explained that through the Substance Abuse Prevention Unit (SAPU), the Federal Ministry of Education has intensified collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among students.
President Tinubu stressed that the welfare of young people remains central to national development, noting that drug abuse negatively affects cognitive development, academic performance and overall security.
He added that the strategy outlined in the guidelines is comprehensive, covering curriculum enhancement, awareness and sensitisation programmes, capacity building for teachers, and the implementation of drug-testing measures in tertiary institutions.
The President said the measures are designed to promote safer learning environments and protect the future of Nigeria’s youth.