In a significant step towards curbing drug abuse among Nigerian youths, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have agreed to incorporate drug education into the national school curriculum. This collaborative effort aims to promote substance abuse prevention from basic to tertiary levels of education.
Speaking at a strategic meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education emphasized the urgency of embedding drug awareness programmes into Nigeria’s school system. He stressed the importance of rolling out structured drug education initiatives that will be cascaded across all educational tiers.
The Minister also confirmed plans to introduce mandatory drug testing in tertiary institutions, targeting fresh and returning students, as well as conducting random testing. “We must implement this drug test policy; it’s not optional. We’ll start with universities and other tertiary institutions to ensure our youth are not trapped in substance abuse,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister assured that two key agencies under the Ministry—the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)—will collaborate with the NDLEA Academy in Jos. This partnership is designed to strengthen drug education initiatives in schools and build a culture of prevention among students.
To institutionalize this initiative, the Ministry of Education has launched a new Substance Use Prevention Unit. This was announced by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan, during his vote of thanks, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the drug abuse crisis through education and awareness.
This landmark agreement marks a proactive approach in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and support systems to stay drug-free.
