Nigerian varsity admission may soon require drug tests, as suggested by the NDLEA. Learn more about this proposal and its potential impact on applicants.
Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, the Commandant of Kwara State’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has proposed that university applicants must undergo compulsory drug screening during their admission procedure.
Hajia Abiola-Popoola, during a radio program in Ilorin, stressed the significance of administering drug tests to students as a precautionary measure. She stated that undergoing these tests would enable early identification and guidance for those already using drugs. According to Hajia Abiola-Popoola, this approach could potentially deter them from developing into problematic users.
Expressing grave concern, Hajia Abiola-Popoola highlighted the rising number of drug users in Nigeria. She referred to a 2018 survey that disclosed disturbing figures stating, “The statistics are alarming as it reveals that about 14.3 million Nigerians were found indulging in drugs with one out of seven citizens being addicted and every fourth user is female.”
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Emphasizing the impact on society, she expressed concern about the increasing number of women who use drugs. This is especially worrisome as women are typically responsible for managing household affairs. “This indicates a larger problem within our society,” she stated.
As part of a wider initiative to combat the rising drug issue in Nigeria, the NDLEA has put forth a proposition mandating drug testing for college attendees. This move aims to prevent substance misuse from reaching critical levels by intervening early on.
