The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged tertiary institutions across the country to introduce compulsory drug testing for both fresh and graduating students as part of their clearance process.
NANS stated that the decision will help combat the growing problem of substance addiction on campuses and enhance discipline among undergraduates.
Olushola Oladoja, president of NANS, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during a campaign to raise awareness about drug usage and the importance of a drug-free student community.
According to Oladoja, the idea, which will be overseen by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and tertiary institution health sections, will act as both a preventive and corrective tool against student drug abuse.
The NANS president said, “Every new student should undergo drug testing during admission clearance, and every final-year student should be tested before graduation.
“This is necessary to ensure that no one leaves the campus under the influence of substances that destroy potential.”
The NANS leader also advocated for the establishment of drug-free clubs or committees at all tertiary institutions, which would be supported by the NDLEA and student unions.
He stated that the clubs will promote awareness, counseling, and peer education, while drug abuse instruction should be made mandatory in orientation and general studies courses.
Oladoja believes that pupils who use substances should be sent for rehabilitation and counseling rather than being stigmatized.
He emphasized that the campaign required a collaborative effort from the NDLEA, the Ministry of Education, and school administrators through monthly seminars, testing, and awareness programs.
“Drug abuse among students is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s educational system and national stability,” he said. “We must begin the fight from our campuses. A drug-free academic environment is key to effective learning, safety, and moral development.”
NANS asked the government, school authorities, and civil society organizations to embrace the Drug-Free Campus Initiative, which would transform Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges into models of moral integrity and intellectual advancement.
“The dream of a prosperous Nigeria begins with a generation of mentally sound, morally upright, and drug-free students,” he added.
There has been a demand for drug tests for Nigerian students, which the government attributes to its attempts to combat substance usage in academic institutions.
The NDLEA previously recommended a three-pronged approach to combating drug misuse, which included modifying drug education curriculum in schools, launching stand-alone drug abuse prevention programs in secondary schools, and implementing a drug testing policy for tertiary institutions.
The policy will apply to all new and returning students, as well as random testing throughout the academic year. The government intends to establish a Substance Use Prevention Unit under the Ministry of Education to coordinate anti-drug activities and revamp secondary school curricula to include current drug education information.
The decision aims to provide a safe and secure learning environment, keep pupils away from drugs, and reduce the danger of substance abuse-related crimes.
However, some stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have expressed concerns about the efficacy of mandatory testing, arguing that it may drive substance abuse underground and that investing in preventive programs like counseling and peer education would be more effective.
