Egbewole assures NDLEA of support for drug-free campus initiative
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of the cooperation of the University towards maintaining a drug-free campus.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Tuesday (September 1, 2026) while receiving the Deputy State Commander of Kwara State Command of the NDLEA, DCN Kennet Odili, who led an advocacy team to the University.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the NDLEA for its efforts towards curbing drug abuse, noting that the University had already put structures and policies in place to protect its students from substance abuse. He added that the University also has an existing drug-testing process and policy on drug integrity testing.
The Vice Chancellor described the initiative as an important preventive measure, particularly in view of the increasing involvement of young people in substance abuse and the changing nature of drugs being misused.
Prof. Egbewole, however, called for further engagement with the NDLEA to determine how the Drug Integrity Test of the Agency could complement the existing system of the University and strengthen the efforts to ensure a drug-free campus.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also urged the Agency to consider the need to align its drug-testing policy with the constitutional provisions that protect individual’s privacy, stressing that effective implementation requires a balance between public safety and fundamental rights.
He further called on the NDLEA to pay greater attention to the abuse of medically prescribed drugs, noting that individuals could gradually develop dependence on medications initially taken legitimately to manage pain or other health conditions.
Prof. Egbewole, therefore, suggested stronger collaboration between the NDLEA and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) and pharmaceutical stakeholders, to promote responsible prescription and use of medications.
Speaking earlier, DCN Odili urged the University to adopt the Drug Integrity Test (DIT) as part of measures to prevent drug and substance abuse among students.
DCN Odili said the DIT was an evidence-based, non-punitive and preventive initiative designed to identify early drug use and facilitate timely counselling, intervention and rehabilitation. He said that the initiative aligned with resolutions of the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, which called for stronger institutional measures to address the growing challenge of drug and substance use among students.
The NDLEA official urged UNILORIN to strengthen its drug prevention structures through the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Clubs, functional counselling centres and dedicated structures for drug demand reduction and student wellbeing.
He said the DIT was conducted exclusively through the NDLEA digital platform to ensure standardised testing, real-time monitoring and secure management of students’ test records. According to him, the Agency-approved kits can test for up to 15 substances.
While assuring the University of the Agency’s support through the provision of approved testing kits, training of designated personnel and technical assistance to facilitate implementation, the NDLEA official added that the initiative was preventive rather than punitive, noting that its ultimate objective was to promote student wellbeing and contribute to a safe and drug-free academic environment.
