The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that its proposed drug test policy for admission seekers and students is aimed at providing support for those struggling with substance abuse, rather than punishing or expelling them.
Speaking on Channels Television’s *Morning Brief*, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that the agency’s approach treats drug use as a public health issue. The goal, he said, is to identify students affected by drug use and offer them the necessary help.
“We’re treating this as a public health issue, not a crime,” Babafemi explained. “Those who test positive for drug use will not be punished or expelled. Instead, they will be taken for treatment to help them overcome their substance abuse and reintegrate into their academic pursuits.”
He further highlighted the agency’s focus on deterrence, early intervention, counseling, and treatment. Babafemi added that the possibility of being tested would deter students from drug use. “When students know they could be tested, they’ll be more cautious, reducing the likelihood of falling into substance abuse.”
The NDLEA has established 30 treatment and counseling centers across the country, with three more centers set to open in the coming weeks. Babafemi assured that students who test positive will receive support from these centers or the NDLEA’s 24-hour call center, staffed with mental health professionals.
The agency has also introduced home-use test kits, allowing parents to test their children for drug use. While the service itself is free, the test kits cost between N5,000 and N10, depending on the type. Babafemi encouraged families to use these kits and the agency’s toll-free helplines for guidance and support.
On Monday, NDLEA Kwara State Commander Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola urged the National Universities Commission to make drug tests a requirement for university admission, noting the rising number of drug users, especially among young women. The NDLEA’s proposal seeks to curb this trend by providing early intervention and support.
