NANS Kwara Seeks Transparency, Student Participation in NDLEA Drug Testing on Campus

NANS Kwara Seeks Transparency, Student Participation in NDLEA Drug Testing on Campus

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Axis, has rejected the exclusion of student leaders from ongoing engagements between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, and tertiary institution managements over the proposed implementation of student drug-integrity testing.

NANS Kwara, while acknowledging the importance of tackling drug abuse and promoting a safe academic environment, said students who would be directly affected by the initiative must be represented in discussions concerning its implementation.

The association argued that students are key stakeholders in tertiary institutions and should not be treated merely as recipients of policies designed and implemented without their participation.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of NANS Kwara State Axis, Comr. Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke, the association said it was not opposed to drug testing, drug education, rehabilitation or other legitimate measures aimed at addressing substance abuse among students.

However, it expressed concern over the process of consultation, implementation and student participation in the proposed programme.

NANS Kwara called on the NDLEA Kwara State Command to immediately engage the NANS Kwara leadership and the Students' Union Government (SUG) leadership of affected institutions.

It also requested clear information on the legal and policy basis of the programme, testing procedures, applicable fees, data protection measures, confidentiality safeguards and the consequences of a positive test result.

The student body further urged the NDLEA and tertiary institutions to sensitise students adequately before testing begins and establish a transparent framework for student leaders to participate in awareness campaigns, mobilisation, monitoring and feedback.

NANS Kwara also stressed the need to protect students from intimidation, humiliation or unlawful disclosure of personal and medical information during the process.

The association maintained that it would not remain on the sidelines while a major student-focused policy is implemented across tertiary institutions in the state.

“We are partners in student development, not spectators in matters concerning students,” the statement said.

NANS Kwara consequently called for an immediate stakeholder meeting involving the NDLEA, NANS Kwara and SUG leaders of affected institutions to develop a coordinated and transparent framework for the implementation of the drug-integrity testing programme.

It reiterated its willingness to work with the NDLEA, institution managements, SUGs and other stakeholders in addressing drug abuse while protecting the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of students.