The National Association of Nigerian Students has thrown its weight behind the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s campaign against substance abuse, citing rising drug use in tertiary institutions.
NANS President Sola Oladoja led the association’s leaders on a visit to NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Marwa at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, where they endorsed the War Against Drug Abuse initiative. Oladoja called WADA “a transformative intervention” that has raised awareness of the dangers of drug misuse among students.
He said drug abuse threatens academic performance, mental health, and social stability, adding that NANS shares responsibility to protect young people. The group pledged to deepen collaboration with NDLEA to tackle drug use on campuses.
The student leaders also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Oladoja cited the student loan scheme, fewer academic strikes, and expanded youth programmes as reasons for backing the administration’s continuity.
Marwa welcomed the endorsement, calling students a “critical constituency” in the anti-drug fight. He said progress depends on active collaboration with youths in higher institutions, where vulnerability remains high.
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He warned that drug abuse leads to poor health, disrupted education, crime, and long-term social instability. He urged student leaders to promote awareness and counter peer pressure on campuses.
On the Federal Government’s drug integrity test policy for students, Marwa said it is not meant to punish but to protect. Early detection, he explained, enables counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation before long-term damage sets in.
Both sides agreed to closer coordination to curb substance abuse in Nigeria’s academic environment.
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