NDLEA UNVEILS DIGITAL DRUG INTEGRITY TEST FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Abuja, Nigeria, February 12, 2026
Nigeria is taking a new step towards protecting young people and promoting integrity across its tertiary institutions, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) rolls out a digital Drug Integrity Test aimed at early detection of drug use, strengthening student wellbeing, and aligning the country with global best practices.
Fatima Sanusi Karaye reports that following rising concern over drug abuse in Nigerian schools, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has introduced a new Drug Integrity Test for tertiary institutions.
The initiative follows resolutions reached at the 68th National Council on Education meeting held in Akure, which emphasised the need for stronger student protection measures and structured early intervention strategies to combat substance abuse in higher institutions.
According to the agency, the evidence-based and non-punitive test is designed primarily for early detection rather than punishment. It aims to identify drug use at its early stages, enabling affected students to access counselling, rehabilitation, and other support services. Officials stress that the approach prioritises care, recovery, and reintegration over disciplinary action.
The Drug Integrity Test will be implemented through a centralised digital platform, a system the NDLEA says ensures transparency, secure certification, and real-time monitoring. The platform is expected to provide institutions with verifiable records while safeguarding students’ data and maintaining accountability in the testing process.
The agency notes that drug abuse continues to disrupt academic performance, threaten the health of young people, and increase the risk of school dropouts. By introducing the digital testing framework, the NDLEA hopes to create safer campuses, promote responsible behaviour, and foster a culture of integrity among students.
In addition, several foreign embassies are reported to recognise the certification issued under the programme as part of visa processing requirements, a development that positions Nigerian tertiary institutions within globally accepted standards.
Education stakeholders have described the initiative as a proactive step toward protecting the nation’s youth and strengthening institutional credibility, as authorities intensify efforts to curb drug abuse and promote healthier learning environments across the country.
