The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), led a delegation of his management team to a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, in Abuja on Wednesday. The agreements reached between the NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Education include mandatory drug integrity testing for students attending tertiary institutions and redesigning the current secondary school curriculum to include drug education.
Marwa had emphasized the terrible impact of substance misuse on the nation’s children during the discussion and praised the minister for taking a proactive approach to his work.
“The battle against illegal drugs is a battle for the souls of Nigerian youths,” he said.
“This visit is intended to explore cooperation with this prestigious ministry in our joint endeavors to combat drug use in Nigeria.” In general, schools and educational institutions will be the focus of our attention.
It’s crucial that this ministry oversees the millions of our youngsters that are in its care.
As everyone knows, Nigeria is plagued by a severe drug problem. In other words, we are genuinely battling for our children’s souls. As of right moment, we also know that drug use is making crime worse.
This includes Boko Haram, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal actions. “We know that without drugs, they would not be able to do what they are doing, because they would not do all these criminal activities in their right senses,” the statement reads.
As a result, we are all doing our part to combat insecurity in the nation. We are currently dealing the drug cartels deadly blows through law enforcement operations.
Through the seizures, arrests, convictions, and forfeiture of assets, we are certain that we are doing everything within our power.
“With President Bola Tinubu’s support, we have arrested 40,887 criminal elements, convicted 8,682, and seized 5,507 metric tons of illegal substances in the last two years.
In reality, we have seized almost one billion opioid tablets, primarily tramadol, since January of last year, totaling more than N1 trillion to date.
Marwa added that President Tinubu has also authorized the construction of one model rehabilitation facility in each of the nation’s geopolitical zones, adding that the president is also helping the agency to construct seven rehabilitation facilities in addition to the 30 that are currently in place in NDLEA commands across the nation.
He outlined three main areas in which he hopes the Ministry and NDLEA would work together to successfully combat the problem of substance misuse among young people in Nigeria.
“Our first recommendation is to review the drug education curriculum in secondary schools,” he said.
Although we have previously been informed of its existence, we believe it is time to reevaluate this drug education program due to the complexity, dynamic nature, and new psychoactive substances that have entered the market.
We were also considering proposing the introduction of independent drug usage prevention programs in secondary schools.
This time, it’s not the curriculum but rather self-contained programs, lectures, competitions, parent involvement, and so forth.
The third thing we were considering was implementing a drug-testing policy in higher education because we want a policy that keeps our campuses tidy.
Some vice chancellors have approached us independently to ask for our advice and to help in administering drug tests to their pupils.
Read Also: Ex-Minister: Removing Shettima May Backfire on Tinubu’s Re-Election Plans
Drug screenings for new students, students returning from vacation, and random tests are what we are presently proposing.
Because they are well aware that there will be repercussions if they are caught using drugs, this will encourage the kids to abstain from doing so.
Furthermore, rustication is not always the result. The minister responded by applauding Marwa for his dedication and perseverance in serving Nigeria.
“Thank you for serving Lagos.” General Buba Marwa has dedicated his life to serving this nation, in addition to that. I have known him for thirty years, and he continues to serve his country.
And his enthusiasm was evident in the way he outlined the nation’s issues and his goals for us. It seemed as though I had seen his prepared remarks as I took notes while he was speaking. I sincerely appreciate your visit.
The drug epidemic is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately, he said.
“Young people who use drugs refuse to attend school, and even when they do, they do not receive a useful education.”
What occurs at the conclusion of the day? They don’t think critically as much. In later age, their capacity to make wise choices is severely diminished. Thus, they are no longer employable. What follows? Now that vicious loop is yours. They aren’t working. They are useless to themselves.
Their only option is to commit crimes. Once you start using drugs, your family is probably going to be dysfunctional. Therefore, it is a serious threat that we must address immediately.
