• NDLEA, Education Ministry to Integrate Drug Education into Curriculum
The Federal Government has approved compulsory drug integrity tests for students of tertiary institutions nationwide as part of a broader strategy to address the escalating menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
This landmark decision emerged from a high-level meeting held in Abuja between the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Minister of Education, Prof. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
The meeting also resulted in a consensus to review the existing secondary school curriculum to incorporate comprehensive drug education, alongside the introduction of stand-alone drug prevention programmes in schools.
Brig. Gen. Marwa, while commending the Minister for his proactive engagement, described the fight against illicit drug use as a battle “for the soul of the Nigerian youth.” He emphasised the strong correlation between substance abuse and national insecurity, noting that many forms of criminality — including terrorism, banditry, and insurgency — are fuelled by drug misuse.
“There are millions of children under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, making it a critical partner in our collective fight against the drug scourge,” Marwa stated.
He disclosed that the Agency has, over the last two years, recorded significant milestones — including the arrest of 40,887 drug offenders, the conviction of 8,682 individuals, and the seizure of over 5,507 metric tonnes of illicit substances. In particular, he noted the seizure of more than one billion opioid pills, largely Tramadol, valued at over ₦1 trillion.
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s support for the NDLEA’s rehabilitation efforts, seven new treatment centres are under construction, with a model rehabilitation facility planned in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Marwa proposed three key areas of collaboration with the Ministry:
1. Curriculum Review – to update and enhance drug education in secondary schools, reflecting the complexities of modern substance abuse.
2. Stand-Alone Drug Prevention Programmes – including lectures, awareness campaigns, and community involvement beyond the formal curriculum.
3. Drug Testing in Tertiary Institutions – targeting newly admitted, returning, and randomly selected students to deter drug use and ensure safer campuses.
He stressed that the drug test policy is preventive rather than punitive, aiming to dissuade youth from substance use through early intervention.
Responding, Minister Alausa praised Marwa’s longstanding service and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the NDLEA. He expressed concern over the impact of drug abuse on students’ academic performance and long-term employability, describing it as a catalyst for social dysfunction and criminality.
“Once youths fall into drugs, they struggle with education, critical thinking, and decision-making — leading to a cycle of unemployment and criminal behaviour,” Alausa warned.
He announced immediate measures to formalise the collaboration, including the formation of an inter-ministerial technical working group and the establishment of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education.
The Minister confirmed that the secondary school curriculum is currently under review and assured that drug education would be integrated, with plans to extend the initiative to the primary school level. He also pledged support for stand-alone school-based drug prevention programmes and fully endorsed the proposed drug testing policy in tertiary institutions.
Furthermore, the Ministry will direct the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to support NDLEA’s efforts, including collaboration with the NDLEA Academy in Jos.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan, in his closing remarks, officially announced the activation of the Substance Use Prevention Unit, signalling the Ministry’s readiness to commence immediate implementation of agreed strategies.
This collaboration marks a decisive step in safeguarding the future of Nigerian youth and building a drug-free education system.
