…Marwa defends student drug test policy, says move is protective, not punitive
By Adebola Isimijola
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its intensified crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking, while also endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The endorsement came on Tuesday during a visit by a NANS delegation led by its National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Oladoja commended the NDLEA for what he described as sustained disruption of drug cartels and expanding nationwide enforcement operations. He also praised the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, saying it has strengthened awareness campaigns across tertiary institutions.
According to him, NANS’ support for the Tinubu administration was driven by what he called measurable progress in the education sector and youth-focused interventions.
“Our support for the Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on the visible gains Nigerian students are beginning to experience in education support and youth empowerment,” Oladoja said.
He pointed to initiatives such as the student loan scheme, resolution of prolonged strikes in tertiary institutions, and other empowerment programmes as evidence of government responsiveness to youth concerns.
Responding, Marwa welcomed the students’ position, describing Nigerian youths as central to national development and the success of ongoing anti-drug efforts.
“As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart,” he said.
Marwa stressed the need for deeper collaboration with student bodies to curb drug abuse on campuses, warning that substance use continues to undermine academic performance, health, and social stability.
“We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, their families, and the society at large,” he added.
On the Federal Government’s Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, the NDLEA boss said the initiative was designed as a preventive safeguard rather than a punitive measure.
He explained that early detection of drug use would improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of successful rehabilitation among affected youths.
The visit ended with both sides reaffirming commitment to strengthen collaboration in the fight against substance abuse in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
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