14/05/2026
*NDLEA Borno State Commander Pays Advocacy Visit to Kashim Ibrahim Shettima University, Maiduguri*
The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Borno State Command, CN Usman Sule, in the company of the Deputy State Commander DCN Bello Ali Garba and a team of officers and men, paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor and senior management staff of Kashim Ibrahim Shettima University today 14th May 2026.
The visit formed part of the Command’s ongoing strategic engagements with tertiary institutions across the state aimed at commencing the integration and implementation of the National Policy on Drug Integrity Testing for students and staff.
During the engagement, the State Commander appreciated the Vice Chancellor and the university management for the warm reception and prompt response to the visit. He commended the institution for its sustained efforts towards maintaining a drug-free academic environment for both students and staff.
The Commander stated that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the existing synergy and collaboration between the university and the NDLEA. He explained that the engagement was specifically aimed at discussing the integration of Drug Integrity Testing (DIT) as a mandatory requirement for both new and returning students, in line with the recently introduced national policy directive.
Highlighting key aspects of the policy, the State Commander noted that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including educational institutions, are encouraged to integrate Drug Integrity Testing into their systems as part of preventive and public health measures.
He further referenced the National Policy document, emphasizing that the initiative is not intended as a punitive measure, but rather as a proactive strategy for prevention, early detection, counseling, and intervention. According to him, the policy will assist in data generation and policy formulation, facilitate early identification of substance use issues, support timely intervention, prevent progression into dependency, and enhance campus wellbeing and behavioral management.
The Commander also outlined notable features of the initiative, stating that the testing process would be conducted through a centralized platform using internationally recognized testing kits capable of detecting up to fifteen different substances. He explained that the process would be monitored at the state level by the NDLEA State Command, while institutions would also have access to relevant student records where necessary. He added that the certification is internationally acceptable among partner countries and would further enhance the global credibility of institutions implementing the initiative.
Speaking on implementation modalities, the State Commander stated that testing could conveniently be conducted during student registration periods. He outlined three implementation options available to institutions: students may individually undertake the test at NDLEA offices; institutions may coordinate and implement the process in collaboration with the NDLEA; or NDLEA personnel may directly conduct the testing exercise within the institution.
He also clarified that the initiative is not limited to students alone, as members of staff and even their family members may also voluntarily access the testing services through the NDLEA office.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor applauded the efforts and initiative of the NDLEA, particularly the credibility and structure of the process as presented. He reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance stance against drug and substance abuse within the campus environment, noting that the initiative would further strengthen the institution’s commitment towards maintaining discipline and promoting a healthy academic atmosphere.
The Vice Chancellor further demonstrated his support for the initiative by expressing his willingness to personally create a profile and undergo the test himself immediately. While seeking clarification on the validity period of the test, the State Commander explained that the result could remain valid for a period ranging from six months to one year, depending on the applicable category.
The Vice Chancellor assured the NDLEA State Commander of the university management’s commitment to commence discussions on modalities for implementation during subsequent management meetings, with a view to adopting the initiative in the institution.
ASN II B.H Wakirwa
PR Unit.
