By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Determined to combat drug abuse and safeguard the future of students, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has unfolded plans to make Drug Integrity Test a pre requisite for admissions into the nation’s tertiary institutions.
The Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, Onubogu Charles Orakwue, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof Kate Omenugha.
Commander Onubogu disclosed that the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration, as well as conveying the message and vision of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
The Commander explained that the initiative includes the introduction of drug testing during admission process, which will help identify affected students early and provide opportunities for timely intervention and treatment.
“Cases requiring rehabilitation will be handled with the consent and involvement of parents or guardians to ensure that affected students receive proper care and support for recovery”
He emphasized the need to sensitize students on the dangers of drug abuse and the intake of illicit substances, stressing the importance of sustained awareness campaigns, drug screening initiatives, and the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests within the university community.
According to him, these measures are critical in preventing drug abuse and safeguarding the future of young people.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the university to protect students from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, COOU, Prof Omenugha, confirmed that the university had received and reviewed NDLEA’s proposal for collaboration, and assured the delegation that necessary steps were already being taken to facilitate an effective partnership with NDLEA on the proposed drug integrity test.
She recalled her previous collaboration with NDLEA during her tenure as Commissioner for Education in Anambra State, where she actively supported youth advocacy campaigns against drug abuse.
The Vice Chancellor, then, gave approval for the university to adopt the Drug Integrity Test as a requirement for admission, noting that its implementation would commence with the next admission exercise.
She further expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of young people, including women and girls, in drug abuse.
Prof Omenugha disclosed that she had personally lost a close family member to the menace, stressing her strong commitment to ensuring that students of the university do not fall victim to drug addiction.
She, therefore, called for sustained joint programmes and strategic partnerships with NDLEA to address the growing challenge.
Present at the meeting were DCN Nwannennaya Chukwunyere, Deputy State Commander, NDLEA Anambra State Command; CSN Oraedu Catherine Ojiugo, PSO Admin and Commander’s Secretary; CSN Ogubuike Priscilla, PSO Media, Advocacy and Training; the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Anselm Nweke (DVC Administration and Environmental Sustainability) and Prof. Obiora Ejiofor (DVC Academics); and the Acting University Librarian, Dr. Uche Enweani.
