Starting from the next academic session, the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), plans to introduce mandatory drug tests for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Investigations reveal that a technical working group has been set up by the NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Education to finalize modalities for implementing the initiative, expected to kick off as early as September 2025, depending on individual school calendars.

Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) indicate that over 800,000 new students have been offered admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education this year alone — a figure consistent with the average admission rate over the past four academic sessions. For the 2023/2024 session, admissions exceeded 900,000.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a recent meeting with the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), endorsed the introduction of mandatory and random drug integrity tests in tertiary institutions.

Marwa, in a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, described drug abuse as a major threat to national security, youth productivity, and development. He cited its links to criminal activities such as banditry and terrorism, emphasizing the urgency of early detection.

“We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” Marwa said.

Echoing the concern, Dr. Alausa said drug use undermines students’ academic potential and future employability. “We will start with tertiary institutions. Both fresh and returning students will undergo testing. We have to do it. We do not have a choice,” he said.

A senior NDLEA official who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity confirmed the seriousness of the plan. “We already have a technical working group developing the implementation framework. It is likely to begin with the new academic session,” the source said.

When asked about the funding and modalities, the official noted that details were still being worked out. However, he revealed that students, not the government, would likely bear the cost, as seen in institutions already conducting drug tests.

“In those schools, the cost is part of the medical fee — about N5,000 per student,” he explained. “It’s a simple urine-based test, like pregnancy or blood sugar tests, and can be conducted in school clinics or NDLEA-approved centres.”

NDLEA spokesman Babafemi declined to comment on a specific rollout date but emphasized that the drug test initiative is intended as a public health measure, not a punitive one.

“It’s for early detection, counselling, and treatment before addiction develops. Students won’t be punished; the goal is prevention, not punishment,” Babafemi said.

He noted that drug testing is already part of recruitment and promotion in several security agencies, including the police and military, and likened it to common health screenings such as HIV or fertility tests.

Despite the government’s enthusiasm, the policy has drawn criticism from academic leaders who question its scientific merit, ethical foundations, and practicality.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Chris Piwuna, described the policy as “misplaced and unsustainable.” A psychiatrist by training, he warned that mandatory testing could drive substance users underground, making it harder to offer them help.

“This approach lacks scientific backing. Students aren’t the enemy. Let’s use science and empathy, not suspicion and force,” he said.

He argued that brief abstinence before tests would render them ineffective and urged the government to invest in advocacy, counselling centres, and prevention clubs instead.

“If you test and find a student positive, what next? Rehab or expulsion? What’s the plan?” he asked.

The Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Andrew Haruna, also expressed concerns, warning against introducing policies that are “politically attractive but operationally unfeasible.”

According to him, most public tertiary institutions are underfunded and lack the medical personnel and infrastructure to implement drug testing for thousands of students.

“Some hostels meant for two students now house ten. That’s a ghetto, not a learning environment. Fix the ecosystem first,” he said.

Haruna urged the government to address systemic issues such as poverty, poor accommodation, and student welfare as root causes of drug abuse. He also questioned whether the same policy would be extended to private institutions, which often operate outside strict federal oversight.

As the new academic session approaches, the proposed drug test policy remains a work in progress, with many logistical and ethical questions yet to be answered.

While the Federal Government and NDLEA see it as a bold move to protect students from addiction and crime, critics insist that only a holistic, research-backed approach can create lasting change.

“Let’s not just treat the symptoms,” said Prof. Haruna. “Let’s cure the disease with vision, planning and genuine care for our students.”