Students in Nigerian schools and Corps Members serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme could soon face mandatory drug integrity tests, following a fresh call by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for institutional screening as a deterrent to drug abuse among young people.
The Rivers State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Bature Dawa, proposed during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House, where he was received by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Dawa argued that introducing drug tests within schools and the NYSC framework would serve as a strong preventive measure, particularly at a time when young Nigerians in academic and service environments remain vulnerable to drug related influences. He also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely, and called on hotel owners to prevent their facilities from being used for drug related activities.
The commander further disclosed that the agency had arrested 39 suspects in Rivers State between December 2025 and the time of the visit, with 16 new cases currently under investigation. He said the NDLEA's Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units had sustained operations to intercept illicit substances and prosecute offenders across the state.
Responding on behalf of Governor Fubara, Wokoma commended the collaboration between federal agencies and the state government, reaffirming the administration's commitment to peace and public safety. "Our Governor is committed to peace, progress, and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime, and reckless driving," he said.
For students and corps members, the NDLEA's proposal signals a potential shift in how Nigerian institutions approach drug prevention, moving beyond awareness campaigns towards direct screening within academic and service environments.
