The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has pledged full support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a high-level meeting in Abuja.
The delegation, led by National President, Sola Oladoja, on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and signalled backing for his potential re-election bid in 2027.
During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s relentless successes against drug cartels.
He lauded his commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which has been instrumental in raising awareness across tertiary institutions.
Reaffirming the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Oladoja stated that the students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements.
These, he noted, include the successful implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment schemes.
While speaking, Marwa expressed his long-standing pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his various national assignments.
According to him, “As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart.”
Addressing the specific challenge of drug prevalence in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasised the need for a collaborative front to sanitise the academic environment.
“We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” Marwa added.
Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is strictly protective rather than punitive.
He stated that the policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to deepen cooperation, signalling a coordinated national effort to tackle drug abuse at its roots within schools and among young people.