The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed mandatory drug testing and counselling as part of the admission process for students seeking entry into Nigerian universities. Fatima Abiola-Popoola, the Commander of NDLEA in Kwara State, made this appeal on Sunday during a press briefing in Ilorin.
Abiola-Popoola expressed growing concern over the rising number of drug users in the country, particularly among young women.
“According to a 2018 survey, 14.3 million people are using drugs in Nigeria; one out of seven persons in Nigeria is a drug user, while one out of every four drug users is a woman.
“This shows that the society is in trouble. This is because a woman is the administrator of the home and now that women have started abusing drugs, then the society is in trouble,” she said.
In addition to advocating for drug tests as a prerequisite for university admission, Abiola-Popoola called on traditional rulers to join in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. She highlighted the influence traditional leaders hold within their communities and urged them to actively participate in the war against drug abuse.
Abiola-Popoola also noted her recent visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who assured her of his support for the agency’s efforts.
