Former University of Ilorin Vice Chancellor Advocates for NDLEA Presence in Schools to Combat Drug Abuse
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, has called on the federal government to establish National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stations in tertiary institutions to combat the prevalent issue of drug abuse among youths.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. AbdulRaheem emphasized the need for a holistic approach in tackling drug abuse among young people, particularly within higher education institutions. He stressed that the fight against drug abuse should not solely rest on the shoulders of school management but should involve active government support.
"It is time not to leave the security and monitoring of miscreants in universities solely to the management. I challenge the government to establish NDLEA duty posts in every institution to monitor and prevent any suspected behavior that could escalate into the issues we are currently facing," Prof. AbdulRaheem remarked.
Expressing concern over the prevalence of drug abuse and other social vices in higher institutions, Prof. AbdulRaheem urged school authorities to be vigilant in student selection, admission screening, and monitoring to ensure a disciplined and drug-free environment.
He highlighted that the issue of drug abuse extends beyond tertiary institutions and begins at lower levels of education and within households. Prof. AbdulRaheem emphasized the importance of parental and guardian involvement in monitoring children and discouraging them from engaging in anti-social activities such as drug addiction and fraud, which pose significant risks to their future progress.
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The former Vice Chancellor's remarks underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts between educational institutions, government agencies, and families to address the complex challenges associated with drug abuse among young people. Establishing NDLEA stations within schools could serve as a proactive measure in curbing drug-related issues and promoting a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
