The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on universities, polytechnics, and colleges across the country to introduce compulsory drug testing for both incoming and graduating students as part of their clearance processes.
NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during a sensitisation campaign against drug abuse. He said the measure would help curb the rising cases of substance abuse on campuses and promote discipline among students.
Oladoja explained that the proposed exercise should be supervised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the health departments of tertiary institutions. According to him, mandatory drug testing would serve as both a preventive and corrective step to address drug misuse among undergraduates.
“Every new student should undergo drug testing during admission clearance, and every final-year student before graduation. This is necessary to ensure no one leaves the campus under the influence of substances that destroy potential,” he stated.
The NANS president also advocated for the establishment of Drug-Free Clubs in all higher institutions, supported by the NDLEA and student unions. These clubs, he said, would lead awareness campaigns, offer peer counselling, and drive anti-drug education as part of student orientation and General Studies courses.
Oladoja emphasised the need for rehabilitation and counselling for students found using drugs rather than stigmatization, noting that collaboration among the NDLEA, the Ministry of Education, and school authorities is essential.
“Drug abuse among students is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s education system and national stability. We must begin the fight from our campuses. A drug-free academic environment is key to effective learning, safety, and moral development,” he added.
He urged the government and civil society organisations to support a Drug-Free Campus Initiative, which he said would make tertiary institutions models of moral discipline and intellectual growth.
“The dream of a prosperous Nigeria begins with a generation of mentally sound, morally upright, and drug-free students,” Oladoja concluded.
Meanwhile, the federal government and NDLEA have previously expressed similar intentions to introduce a nationwide drug testing policy in tertiary institutions. The plan includes testing freshers, returning students, and random samples throughout the academic calendar, with about 800,000 students expected to participate.
The initiative also involves establishing a Substance Use Prevention Unit under the Ministry of Education and revising the school curriculum to include comprehensive drug education.
While the policy aims to create safer campuses and reduce substance abuse-related crimes, critics — including members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) — have questioned its effectiveness. They warn that mandatory testing could drive substance use underground and argue that more investment in preventive education, counselling, and peer-led programmes would yield better results.
Concerns have also been raised about the cost and logistics of implementing the policy, which may add to students’ financial burdens as drug testing could be incorporated into medical fees.
