President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the National Implementation Guidelines on Drug and Substance Use in Nigerian Institutions, introducing drug testing in tertiary institutions to curb substance abuse among students.
The President, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, disclosed this at the 43rd convocation and Founder’s Day celebration of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He said the policy is aimed at creating safer and more conducive learning environments.
Tinubu explained that the guidelines mark a major education reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Substance Abuse Prevention Unit (SAPU), has strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address rising drug abuse among students.
He stressed that youth welfare remains central to national development, warning that drug abuse negatively affects cognitive development, academic performance, and national security.
According to the President, the policy adopts a comprehensive approach, including curriculum enhancement, awareness and sensitization programmes, teacher capacity building, and the implementation of drug-testing measures in tertiary institutions, all aimed at safeguarding students and securing their future
