Fed Poly Damaturu Collaboration Committee with NDLEA Pays Visit to Agency's Damaturu Command Office

The Collaboration Committee between Federal Polytechnic Damaturu and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has paid courtesy visit to Agency's Yobe State Command Office in Damaturu.

Speaking during visit, Chairperson of Committee, Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Ciroma, said Polytechnic, under leadership of Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, is committed to fostering drug-free academic environment through strategic collaboration with Agency.

Dr. Ciroma explained partnership will focus on sensitisation and counselling on integrity tests and formation of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Vanguard in institution.

She said collaboration is crucial as part of policy measures being taken by Polytechnic, including sensitisation and awareness creation through provision of billboards, posters and banners, as well as training for staff and students.

In his remarks, Commander of NDLEA, Yobe State Command, Mustapha Mannir, commended Polytechnic for initiative and assured Committee of Command's readiness to collaborate in fight against substance abuse.

Commander noted substance abuse has negative effect on higher institutions of learning and therefore needs to be tackled collectively. He added partnership will be implemented through various channels, including radio jingles and other sensitisation programmes.

In separate remarks, members of Committee, Babagana Kachallah, Bello Usman and Muhammad Umar Babi, spoke on caution regarding charges for test, timing in relation to students' availability, and that test should not be stiff condition for students' registration.

In closing remarks, Deputy Commander Narcotics, Umar Shehu Yusuf, commended Chairperson and Committee for visit, noting collaboration on integrity tests and formation of WADA Vanguard will help in producing students with sound minds.

He clarified sensitisation and awareness remain key, as test is not mandatory but rather voluntary and will be conducted when need arises.