The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed that drug integrity tests be an institutional policy for students in tertiary institutions in the country.
According to the Agency, this way management of Universities can form a partnership with the agency to curb drug abuse in schools.
Speaking at the University of Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of an anti-drug abuse initiative called ‘Drug-free University Campaign,’ NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.) explained that the policy should apply to new and returning students.
He explained that the implementation of the policy would help the fight against drug abuse among youths.
“Part of the measures to reduce drug use in the university is the proposed introduction of the drug integrity test for both new and returning students. The drug integrity test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
“It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the ‘University of National Unity’, will be the first public University in Nigeria to adopt the drug integrity test for fresh and returning students of the institution.
“The Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure; rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.
“This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student. Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where we’ll deploy our men to assist the authorities to deter drug dealers and users within the University.” Marwa said
