Just In: Federal Government Moves to Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing and Revamp School Curriculum to Fight Youth Substance Abuse

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce compulsory drug testing for university students and implement drug education into the secondary school curriculum. This move is part of a broader national effort to curb the increasing rate of substance abuse among young Nigerians. The announcement has sparked national conversations about youth safety, health, and the role of education in preventing drug-related issues.

The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Education. Officials say the goal is to identify drug abuse early, provide support to affected students, and discourage young people from engaging in harmful substance use. The government noted that drug addiction has become a growing concern within campuses and communities.

Under the plan, students at both public and private universities will be subject to periodic drug testing as a preemptive strategy. The government assured that the process will respect students’ rights and privacy while aiming to help rather than punish those in need. Counseling and rehabilitation options will be made available for students who test positive for drug use.

Meanwhile, the proposed curriculum revision for secondary schools will focus on drug education, including the health risks of substance abuse, prevention strategies, and the psychological and social impact of addiction. Lessons will be integrated into existing subjects and supported with real-life stories and engagement with experts.

This dual approach aims to ensure that young Nigerians are equipped with knowledge before they are exposed to peer pressure or the temptation of drug use. Authorities say starting from the secondary level will help shape students’ understanding and foster responsible decision-making well before they reach adulthood.

The NDLEA has strongly endorsed the initiative and has promised to provide technical support, including training for teachers, counselors, and school administrators. NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa has consistently emphasized the need for a proactive, education-based approach in tackling the nation's drug problem, especially among the youth.

Reactions from the public have been largely positive. Parents and educators have expressed support, calling it a timely intervention in the face of rising addiction cases and increasing reports of drug-related deaths among students. However, some civil rights groups have advised the government to ensure transparency, confidentiality, and fairness in the testing process.

As Nigeria battles the multi-layered crisis of drug addiction, this initiative represents a major policy shift towards prevention, education, and early intervention. If implemented effectively, the program could significantly change how Nigerian society addresses youth substance abuse in both academic and social settings.