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Nigeria introduces compulsory drug test for admission into tertiary institutions
Nigeria’s ministry of education has approved compulsory drug test for all candidates seeking admission in universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
The Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, disclosed this at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja following his reappointment for a second five-year term.
He explained that the new policy is designed to identify drug use early and prevent young Nigerians from slipping into addiction.
He said- “The Honourable Minister of Education has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children upon admission into tertiary institutions, so that we can detect early and intervene before drug use escalates into addiction.”
He noted that the initiative forms part of a broader preventive framework aimed at discouraging drug abuse while promoting legal and productive alternatives for youths.
Marwa added that the agency will continue to support licit cultivation of legal crops, describing it as a safer and responsible livelihood path.
Reaffirming the NDLEA’s commitment to prevention, awareness creation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, Marwa highlighted ongoing efforts to expand rehabilitation services nationwide.
“With the backing of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven additional rehabilitation centres have been budgeted for in 2025. This means every state will soon have its own rehab facility,” he stated.
The NDLEA boss also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers and those involved in the illicit trade. He stressed that the agency remains fully prepared to clamp down on offenders.
“Those who refuse to desist can be certain that the NDLEA is up to the task. You will be arrested, your drugs will be seized, and your assets will be forfeited,” he warned.
Myesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has sacked the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, Mr Michael Ango, of his duties.
The announcement was contained in a statement late Friday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The statement added that the decision takes immediate effect.
Olayinka said the minister directed the most senior official of the FCT-IRS to immediately assume leadership of the agency
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sacked the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Mr Michael Ango,” he stated.
He added that “the most senior official of the FCT-IRS has been directed to take over the running of the revenue agency with immediate effect.”
The statement did not provide reasons for the removal.
15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Amaewhule disclosed the lawmakers’ decision during Friday’s plenary, attributing their defection to what he called a “clear division” within the PDP.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided, and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision, to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule said.
Amaewhule’s Deputy, Dumle Maol, is one of the 16 lawmakers that joined APC as well.
All the lawmakers, who have jumped ship, are core loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Central Bank of Nigeria,has rolled out a new framework ito expedite handling of fraud accusations and refund victims.
Customers must report suspected fraudulent transactions within 72 hours under this draft guideline, and financial institutions have 16 working days to look into the matter and repay money.
The action comes in the wake of a dramatic increase in banking sector fraud.
According to data from the Financial Institutions Training Center, losses in the first quarter of 2025 increased to ₦3.29 billion, a startling 603 percent increase over the previous year. In the same time frame, reported cases also increased to 12,347.
The November 26, 2025, proposed regulations seek to improve bank accountability, expedite reimbursements, and boost prevention.
Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department Rita Sike signed the circular, which describes stricter regulations intended to prevent fraud before it occurs.
The apex bank’s ongoing fight against financial fraud has advanced with the adoption of this guidance. To enhance cooperation between operators, it established the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum in 2011.
It directed banks to establish specialized fraud bureaus four years later. By requiring BVN or NIN for account opening, it reinforced Know Your Customer checks in 2023.
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