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.

The student body said the move would help tackle the growing menace of substance abuse on campuses and promote discipline among undergraduates.

NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, made the call in Abuja on Monday during a sensitization campaign on drug abuse and the need for a drug-free student community.

Oladoja said the proposal, to be supervised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and health units of tertiary institutions, would serve as a preventive and corrective measure against drug misuse among students.

He 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 called for the creation of Drug-Free Clubs or committees in all tertiary institutions, to be supported by the NDLEA and student unions.

He said the clubs would drive awareness, counselling, and peer education, while drug abuse sensitization should become a compulsory part of orientation and General Studies courses.

According to Oladoja, students found using substances should be sent for rehabilitation and counselling rather than being stigmatized.

He stressed that the campaign required the collective effort of the NDLEA, Ministry of Education, and school managements through regular seminars, testing, and awareness programmes.

?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.?

Oladoja urged the government, school authorities, and civil society organizations to support a Drug-Free Campus Initiative that would make Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges models of moral uprightness and intellectual growth.

?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 said is driven by its efforts to curb substance abuse in tertiary institutions.

The NDLEA once proposed a three-pronged approach to tackle drug abuse, including revising drug education content in schools, introducing stand-alone drug abuse prevention programs in secondary schools, and implementing a drug testing policy for tertiary institutions.

The policy will cover freshers, returning students, and random testing throughout the academic calendar. The government plans to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education to coordinate anti-drug efforts and revise the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content.

The decision is aimed at creating a safe and secure learning environment, ensuring that students are not ensnared by drugs, and reducing the risk of substance abuse-related crimes. However, some stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities have raised concerns about the efficacy of mandatory testing, suggesting that it could push substance use underground and that investing in preventive programs such as counseling and peer education would be more effective.

Approximately 800,000 students are expected to undergo drug testing, with the tests being integrated into existing medical fees. The cost burden and logistics of administering the tests have raised concerns, with some arguing that the policy may unfairly target students and undermine academic freedom. (The PUNCH)

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