The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that its proposed drug test policy for admission seekers and students is intended to offer support rather than punishment for those struggling with substance abuse. Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that the policy is part of a broader public health initiative aimed at early intervention and treatment.
Babafemi explained that the primary goal is to identify students who test positive for drug use and provide them with the necessary support to overcome their challenges. "We’re treating this as a public health issue, not a crime," Babafemi stated, underscoring that the agency's approach is focused on deterrence, counseling, and treatment, rather than punitive measures.
He highlighted that the NDLEA collaborates with educational institutions to ensure that students who test positive are not expelled, but instead receive the help they need to reintegrate into their academic pursuits. "We work with these institutions so that the people who test positive are not punished or expelled from the school. They are taken for treatment to wean off these substances and also to get them reintegrated back to their classes," he said.
Babafemi also noted that the agency has established treatment and counseling centers across the country to provide ongoing support for students. He mentioned that the NDLEA operates a 24-hour call center staffed by mental health professionals, offering guidance and support through toll-free helplines.
In response to concerns about the cost of drug testing, Babafemi explained that while the service itself is free, the test kits, which range from N5,000 to N10,000 depending on the type, would need to be purchased by the beneficiaries.
The NDLEA's stance comes as the agency continues to address the growing issue of drug abuse among students in Nigeria. The agency's policy is designed to act as a preventive measure, particularly following calls from the NDLEA Kwara State Commander, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, who urged the National Universities Commission to make drug tests a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
This policy reflects a shift towards treating substance abuse as a health issue, with a focus on early detection and rehabilitation, rather than expulsion and punishment.
