The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for the ongoing crackdown on substance abuse led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), aligning with efforts to curb illicit drug use among youths.
The endorsement was made during a visit by NANS leadership, led by its National President, Sola Oladoja, to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Marwa, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
At the meeting, student leaders commended the NDLEA’s sustained offensive against drug trafficking networks and its preventive campaigns across tertiary institutions. Oladoja described the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as a major intervention that has significantly improved awareness among students on the dangers of substance misuse.
He noted that NANS’ backing of the agency is driven by a shared commitment to protecting Nigerian youths, warning that drug abuse continues to undermine academic performance, mental health, and social stability.
The association also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, citing policies they say have positively impacted students. Oladoja highlighted initiatives such as the student loan scheme, improved academic calendar stability following the resolution of strikes, and expanded youth-focused programmes as indicators of the administration’s commitment.
According to him, these measures have bolstered students’ confidence in the government and informed their willingness to support its continuity.
In his response, Marwa welcomed the endorsement, describing students as a vital constituency in the anti-drug campaign. He stressed that meaningful progress would require active collaboration with young people, particularly within higher institutions where vulnerability to substance abuse remains high.
The NDLEA chairman warned of the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, including declining health, disrupted education, rising crime, and long-term social instability. He urged student leaders to champion awareness campaigns on campuses and discourage peer pressure linked to drug use.
Addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed drug integrity test for students, Marwa clarified that the policy is preventive rather than punitive. He explained that early detection would enable timely counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration, signalling a more coordinated approach to tackling substance abuse within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
