The State Commander of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, CN Onubogu Charles Orakwue, has advocated the introduction of a mandatory Drug Integrity Test as a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
Anambra State Commander of the Agency, CN Onubogu Charles Orakwue made the call during an advocacy visit to the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie.
He explained that the Drug Integrity Test initiative is part of the national campaign of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa.
According to him, the campaign is aimed at reducing the prevalence of illicit drug use among youths and promoting a healthy frame of mind necessary for academic excellence and responsible living.
He expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among young people, noting that the Command has already visited about six tertiary institutions in Anambra State to advocate the adoption of the Drug Integrity Test as part of admission requirements.
According to him, the fight against drug abuse requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders, particularly educational institutions that serve as centres for youth development.
In her remarks, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, welcomed the NDLEA delegation and commended the Agency for its unwavering efforts in combating illicit drug abuse in society.
She observed that drug abuse has continued to negatively affect academic performance and expose many young people in tertiary institutions to serious health challenges.
Dr. Awuzie, however, suggested that the National Assembly should enact a law making the Drug Integrity Test mandatory for admission into all tertiary institutions in the country, stressing that such legislation would ensure uniform compliance among institutions.
Also speaking, the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Nkiruka Akabuike, supported the Rector’s suggestion and further recommended that the NDLEA extend its advocacy campaign to secondary schools, noting that early sensitization would help address the problem of drug abuse from the formative stage.
Similarly, the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba, suggested that the NDLEA should consider providing rehabilitation support for candidates who may fail the Drug Integrity Test during admission screening.
Dr Nwabu added that such intervention would help affected candidates overcome drug dependence and qualify for admission in future admission exercises.
The visit forms part of the ongoing efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to strengthen collaboration with academic institutions and other stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.