Minister of Education Orders Nationwide Drug Testing for University Students

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has announced a policy to mandate drug testing for all university students across Nigeria, starting from academic year 2025/2026. The initiative comes amid concerns over rising substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

What the Policy Covers

• Drug tests will be required for:

• Newly admitted students

• Returning students after vacations

• Randomly selected students during the semester

The policy will coexist with a revised secondary school curriculum that includes standalone drug education programs, community engagements, and parental sensitization efforts.

Why the Government Is Acting

Public health focus: NDLEA’s Femi Babafemi emphasized that the measure is driven by concern for student welfare, not punishment. Positive cases will receive counseling and rehabilitation, not expulsion.

Education outcomes: Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa warned that drug use impairs academic performance, lowers employability, and fuels criminal behavior. He vowed to establish a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the ministry.