NDLEA Chief Urges University Graduates to Resist Drug Abuse
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Buba Marwa, urged graduates of the University of Abuja to steer clear of illegal drug use, cautioning that the repercussions could have lasting effects on their future.
During a convocation lecture titled “Today is Great, Tomorrow is Lost: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus,” delivered at the university’s 29th and 30th joint ceremonies on Tuesday, Marwa highlighted the alarming trend of drug abuse within academic institutions.
Once largely viewed as a street culture issue, drug abuse has infiltrated higher education, posing a significant threat within academic settings. Marwa emphasized that what may feel like fleeting pleasure could lead to a lifetime of regret.
He further warned that participation in drug-related crimes can have lifelong implications, particularly for young graduates who are on the brink of entering the workforce. A drug conviction, he asserted, creates barriers in professional fields such as law, medicine, and engineering.
Marwa pointed to a troubling shift from traditional substances to more potent synthetic drugs, highlighting their distribution via peer influence and social media networks. He noted the troubling association between drug abuse, cultism, violence, and deteriorating academic performance.
“Substance abuse is intricately linked to cultism and violence. It impairs memory, disrupts judgment, and robs young individuals of their potential,” he remarked.
Quoting NDLEA statistics, Marwa revealed that the majority of drug offenders in Nigeria are young people, many of whom are exposed to drug abuse at a remarkably early age. “In the past five years, over 60 percent of those arrested for drug offenses have been youth. Alarmingly, even children under the age of 15 are experimenting with illegal substances,” he said.
As graduates prepare to navigate a rapidly changing, technology-driven landscape, Marwa called for discipline and informed decision-making. He noted, “In our fast-paced, AI-enabled world, there is no place for clouded judgment. If your social circle pressures you to indulge in drugs to fit in, it’s time to rethink those connections.”
He emphasized, “Nigeria needs your talent, energy, and, most importantly, your level-headedness to thrive in the coming decade. Don’t sacrifice your future for momentary highs.” Marwa also addressed the broader societal implications of drug abuse, advocating for a collaborative approach involving families, educational institutions, and government bodies to address the crisis. “Drug abuse undermines not only users but also families and institutions and contributes to the cycle of crime. A nation cannot prosper if its youth are in jeopardy,” he stated.
He commended the university’s leadership for collaborating with the NDLEA to enhance campus security and encouraged other institutions to prioritize drug education and awareness initiatives.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Pro-Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council, Mr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso; Vice-Chancellor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi; City Councilor Mr. Adeji Adefuye; along with university executives, students, and NDLEA officials.
