NDLEA Commander Advocates For Mandatory Drug Tests For University Admission Seekers

Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kwara State, has proposed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) introduce mandatory drug tests as a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions.

Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Sunday, Abiola-Popoola emphasized that such tests would serve as a preventive measure against drug abuse, which she noted is on the rise, particularly among young women.

Citing a 2018 survey, she stated, “14.3 million people in Nigeria are drug users; one in seven Nigerians uses drugs, and one in every four drug users is a woman. This situation is alarming, especially since women are central to the well-being of families and society.”

Abiola-Popoola also highlighted the importance of collaboration with traditional rulers in combating drug trafficking and abuse. She stressed that the involvement of community leaders is crucial, as they hold significant influence over their people.

“Traditional rulers have a stronghold on their communities, and their support is vital in the fight against drug abuse. When they take a stand, their communities follow suit,” she said.

The NDLEA commander also referenced the 2021 launch of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that traditional rulers were integral to the initiative’s community mobilization efforts.

Abiola-Popoola expressed her appreciation to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for his continued support of the NDLEA’s efforts in Kwara State. She assured that the agency would continue to work closely with traditional rulers to ensure the success of its anti-drug campaigns.