NANS drug testing policy calls for mandatory tests for fresh and graduating students to curb substance abuse and promote discipline in Nigerian campuses

NANS drug testing policy has reignited debate over substance abuse prevention on Nigerian campuses as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called for mandatory drug testing for both fresh and graduating students across tertiary institutions.

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The student body said the initiative would help combat rising cases of substance abuse, promote discipline, and foster a healthier learning environment.

NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, made the call in Abuja on Monday during a sensitisation campaign themed around building a drug-free student community.

Oladoja explained that the NANS drug testing policy would be supervised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with school health units.

He said the process should become part of the admission and graduation clearance procedures to ensure students leave campus free from drug-related issues.

“Every new student should undergo drug testing during admission clearance, and every final-year student should be tested before graduation,” Oladoja said.

“This is necessary to ensure that no one leaves the campus under the influence of substances that destroy potential.”

The NANS leader also proposed the creation of Drug-Free Clubs and committees in all tertiary institutions, backed by the NDLEA and student unions.

These clubs, he said, would handle awareness campaigns, peer education, and counselling, while drug abuse sensitisation should be integrated into orientation and General Studies courses.

Oladoja emphasised that students caught using drugs should be rehabilitated and counselled rather than stigmatised.

“Drug abuse among students is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s educational system and national stability,” he added. “We must begin the fight from our campuses.”

The proposed NANS drug testing policy aligns with the government’s broader anti-drug agenda. Earlier, the NDLEA outlined a three-pronged strategy to address drug abuse, which includes drug education reform, stand-alone prevention programmes in schools, and random testing in tertiary institutions.

Under the policy, about 800,000 students are expected to undergo testing, integrated into existing medical fees.

However, the plan has raised concerns among stakeholders such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who argue that compulsory testing could push substance use underground and infringe on students’ rights.

Despite these concerns, NANS insists the initiative is a preventive and corrective step towards creating a safe and morally upright academic environment.