The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed support for ongoing efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The students’ union made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The delegation was led by its National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, and was received by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd).
Speaking during the visit, Oladoja reaffirmed NANS’ support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election bid in 2027.
He commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s sustained successes in combating drug cartels.
Oladoja also lauded the NDLEA boss’s commitment to protecting Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which he said has significantly raised awareness across tertiary institutions.
While reiterating the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda, the NANS President noted that students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements.
He highlighted initiatives such as the implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment programmes.
In his response, Marwa expressed pride in the Nigerian student body, noting his long-standing relationship with them and their consistent support throughout his various national assignments.
“As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart,” he said.
Addressing the challenge of drug abuse in schools, Marwa emphasised the need for collaboration to sanitise the academic environment.
“We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” he added.
Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government’s Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is protective rather than punitive. He stressed that the policy is designed in the best interest of young people, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation more effective.
The visit ended with a mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration between the NDLEA and NANS in the ongoing campaign against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.
