The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has provided clarity on its proposal to introduce drug testing for students in tertiary institutions, emphasising that the initiative is centred on public health rather than criminalisation.
Speaking on Channels Television today , NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained the agency’s approach to addressing drug use among students.
“We’re treating this as a public health issue, not a crime; let me quickly put that in perspective,” Babafemi stated.
He emphasised that students who test positive for drug use should receive the necessary support to succeed in their academic environment, rather than facing punitive measures.
“Whoever tests positive for drug use in that situation—that’s why we work with these institutions—we collaborate with them so that the people who test positive are not punished or expelled from the school.
“They are taken for treatment to wean off these substances and also to get them reintegrated back to their classes, back to the academic pursuit,” he said.
Babafemi highlighted the NDLEA’s collaborative efforts with educational institutions to ensure that students receive early intervention and support.
For institutions without in-house counselling and treatment centres, the NDLEA offers access to its 30 treatment and counselling centres across the country, with three more set to open in the coming weeks.
In addition to on-campus support, Babafemi noted that the NDLEA has established a 24-hour call centre to address the mental health needs of students dealing with drug-related issues.
“We have our mental health centres, counsellors, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrist doctors that provide these services on the telephone.
“We have our two free helplines that people can always call and get the needed support,” he added.
The agency aims to ensure that students who test positive for drug use are not left without assistance.
Babafemi underscored the NDLEA’s commitment to providing comprehensive support, including the availability of helplines listed on their test kits, allowing individuals to seek help from the comfort of their homes.
