• To review drug education in secondary schools

The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday, agreed on a compulsory drug integrity test for students of tertiary institutions, as well as a review of the current secondary school curriculum to include drug education.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), during a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in Abuja, highlighted the devastating effect of substance abuse on the country’s youthful population.

Marwa observed that the fight against illicit drugs is a crusade for the souls of the Nigerian youth. While stating that the President is also supporting the anti-narcotics agency to build seven rehabilitation centres in addition to the existing 30 in NDLEA commands nationwide, Marwa added that President Tinubu had also approved the construction of one model rehabilitation centre in each of the six geo-political zones.

Marwa listed the above three key areas that he would want the ministry and his organisation to collaborate on to effectively check the menace of substance abuse among youngsters.

Responding, the minister commended the NDLEA boss for his steadfastness and commitment to service. Alausa assured of getting two agencies under the ministry – UBEC and TETFUND – to partner with the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of efforts to deepen drug education in basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.

Following the ministerial directive, the Permanent Secretary, Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan, announced the take-off of the new Substance Use Prevention Unit in his vote of thanks.