- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kwara State command, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, proposed a drug test for students
- She urged the National Universities Commission to make the tests a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions
- Nigerians expressed their concerns over the proposed test, saying it's another way of looting money
The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State command, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, has urged the National Universities Commission to make drug tests a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
The commander, while answering questions from journalists in Ilorin, on August 18, said students should pass drug tests before their admission into tertiary institutions.
This, she said, would serve as prevention measures as she lamented the increase in the number of drug users in the country, especially females.
“According to a 2018 survey, 14.3 million people are using drugs in Nigeria; one out of seven persons in Nigeria is a drug user, while one out of every four drug users is a woman.
“This shows that the society is in trouble. This is because a woman is the administrator of the home and now that women have started abusing drugs, then the society is in trouble,” she said.
Abiola-Popoola harped on the synergy with traditional rulers in the crusade against drug trafficking and abuse, stating that success in the fight depended on the support of the stakeholders at the behest of the traditional institution.
“The traditional rulers have some control over their people, and they are the closest to the communities.
“Whenever they say a word, it almost becomes a law among their people, who hold them in high esteem. They have a stronghold of their communities, and that is why they are very important in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
“We have been making use of the traditional rulers over the years. When traditional heads rise in their respective communities against drug traffickers, their people will join them in the fight.
“In 2021, the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, launched the War Against Drug Abuse, and in launching it, all traditional rulers were represented because the aim of this WADA is community mobilisation, which will be led by the traditional rulers,” she said.
Abiola-Popoola appealed to traditional rulers to pay attention to their communities by placing people in strategic positions to help them gather information on the drug situation and invite NDLEA when needed.
The commander said she had earlier visited the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed gratitude to the monarch for his support for the new leadership of the agency in the state.
Nigerians react to NDLEA’s proposition
At TheRadar, we've gathered some reactions from Nigerians as seen on social media over the proposition of the NDLEA to test admission seekers for drug usage.
@Na2iVe said: “Good one, it should also be expanded to those who are contesting for political offices”
@localwerey wrote: “Wait till you see the amount they will propose to set this up. Or is it not Nigeria again?”
@addel_cares replied: “When will you guys start to test our politicians, too? Because they obviously not leading us with clear eyes.”
@nohrix commented: “What happens when a candidate tests positive to drug use? Where are the rehabilitation programs and centres? What programs do you have in place to manage them and get them back on track to live a healthy normal life? Are you planning to do the same for politicians too? Seems they need it more!
Good gesture still considering how much damage drugs are causing to our society! But the bulk of the effort shouldn’t be on just identifying drug users but should be on rehabilitation and prevention.”
@DrFolaseye expressed: “After testing them before admission , who will do follow up testing on them in the university or who will monitor the testing, what happens to those who are not on drugs but start using drugs after admission. This is sheer waste of funds and misplaced priorities and ways to steal funds. By the way, what about testing for those seeking polytechnic, teacher training, technical school, nursing schools, computer schools , admissions into other schools . Lack of knowledge of what to do is our problem”
@okparajoyf said: “Agreed as long as it's free. Meanwhile, I would love them to start with Tinubu n then get themselves too tested. Shouldn't they all lead by example?”
@AzeezOseni4 wrote: “This a welcome development because lot of youth have engaged in drug by running their life. This is good development”
@MasterAdetoye commented: “This is very good and well supported. In fact, drug test should be done every semester or even more frequently. This will help curb or at least reduce the abuse of drugs by the youths in higher institutions.”
@UkaegbuOnwuka: “This is a useless proposition that will only add to the costs and bottlenecks in accessing university education by ordinary Nigerians. And who says that some of those that pass the admission drug tests cannot become druggies before they graduate?
Government should rather focus efforts in ensuring effective learning environments that will keep the students busy and productive with little or no time for indulging in drugs.”
@Ovoh_of_Lagos replied: “So if I dy on cough treatment them no go give me admission??”
NDLEA proposes drug tests for politicians, private workers, couples, others
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar gathered reactions of Nigerians as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) launched the Drug Integrity Test programme.
The programme was expected to transform into an anti-drug culture for all Nigerians as a preventive measure. The drug test was designed for prospective couples, students, politicians, and private employees.
The agency's chairman/CEO, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), declared this on World Drug Day on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.