The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce mandatory drug testing for university students across the country. The move, aimed at curbing the rising cases of substance abuse among young people, was disclosed by the Minister of Education, who emphasized that the measure is part of broader efforts to safeguard the health, safety, and academic future of Nigerian students.
According to the minister, drug use has become a growing concern within tertiary institutions, contributing to academic failure, indiscipline, violence, and mental health challenges. He stated that the introduction of drug testing will serve as both a preventive and corrective measure to address the worsening trend.
The minister did not specify a date for the commencement of the policy but confirmed that discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders, including university administrators, student bodies, and drug enforcement agencies. The National Universities Commission (NUC), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is expected to oversee the rollout and enforcement of the drug testing policy.
He said the government’s priority is not to punish students but to identify those in need of help and ensure they receive proper counseling and rehabilitation support. The drug testing, he explained, will be conducted with strict respect for privacy and human rights, and students found using drugs may not necessarily face expulsion but could be referred to medical or psychological care units for treatment.
The education minister noted that the testing would likely be introduced in phases, beginning with first-year students during admission and continuing periodically throughout students’ academic careers.
University authorities will be expected to set up structures for conducting and monitoring the tests, as well as liaising with qualified medical personnel and rehabilitation centers. The policy will also be linked to anti-drug education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
In addition to drug testing, the ministry is exploring the inclusion of anti-drug abuse education in university orientation programs and general studies courses. The goal, according to the minister, is to create a campus environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some student groups have expressed concern about potential stigmatization, misuse of test results, and the impact on students’ rights. Others have welcomed the move, noting that drug abuse has become a serious threat to student welfare and academic performance.
The NDLEA, which has increased its focus on drug prevention in recent years, is expected to play a key role in both testing and rehabilitation efforts. The agency has already partnered with several universities on campus-based anti-drug campaigns and peer education initiatives.
Experts in the education and health sectors have called for clear guidelines on implementation, including ensuring that consent procedures, confidentiality, and due process are strictly followed. They also advise that the government must invest in student mental health services and create safe spaces for students to seek help without fear of judgment or punishment.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s broader policy objectives on education reform, youth development, and national health. Officials say it reflects the government’s commitment to tackling social vices among youth and building a more productive and responsible generation.
As the policy framework takes shape, further consultations with universities, legal experts, and civil society organizations are expected to fine-tune the process and ensure that the drug testing program balances public safety with the rights and dignity of students.
