The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education have collaborated to introduce drug education into secondary school curriculum and carry out compulsory drug tests in universities.

This decision was made during a meeting between NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Abuja.

In a statement signed by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, made available to Naijaonpoint, Marwa pushed for stronger collaboration with the Ministry to tackle drug use among young Nigerians.

He explained that the fight against drug abuse is directly linked to reducing insecurity in the country, noting that many crimes are drug-driven.

Marwa also shared updates on NDLEA’s recent operations, which led to thousands of arrests, convictions, and large drug seizures worth over a trillion naira.

Marwa called for three specific areas of focus for schools.

First, he called for the secondary school curriculum to be updated to reflect modern drug threats, including new psychoactive substances.

Second, he proposed the introduction of separate school programmes on drug prevention, such as lectures and competitions that involve parents.

Third, he requested a formal drug testing policy in tertiary institutions, including tests for new students, returning students, and random checks.

In response, the Minister of Education expressed support for the plans.

He agreed that drug use is destroying the future of many young Nigerians, making them unproductive and more likely to turn to crime.

He announced that the ministry will immediately begin reviewing the school curriculum to include drug education, starting with secondary schools and eventually extending to primary schools.

The Minister also backed the idea of school-based drug prevention programmes and confirmed that a drug test policy for higher institutions will be introduced.

He suggested forming a joint working group between the Ministry and NDLEA to guide the process and announced the creation of a new Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry.

He further pledged to involve two education agencies, UBEC and TETFUND, in supporting the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of wider efforts to strengthen drug education at all levels.