Some Lagos-based lawyers have commended the Federal Government for introducing mandatory drug integrity tests in schools to curb substance abuse among students. The legal practitioners expressed their views in separate interviews on Saturday May 23 in Lagos.
Mr Adeola Owolabi, the Principal Partner, Adetokunbo and Co., described the policy as a timely response to the growing menace of drug abuse in Nigeria. According to him, compulsory drug tests for secondary and tertiary students underscore the severe danger substance abuse poses to the nation’s future.
Owolabi urged the government to gradually extend the policy to other segments of society, including civil servants, public officers and professionals. He called for intensified raids on identified drug black spots and stricter confiscation of illicit substances across communities. He also urged authorities to tighten border surveillance to prevent the influx of hard drugs into the country.
Mr Chris Ayiyi, the Principal partner of Ayiyi Chambers, described the initiative as a positive step towards addressing substance abuse. He however stressed that the policy should be backed by robust legislation and stiff penalties for violators. He argued that drug tests should not be limited to admission periods but conducted periodically under strict supervision by relevant agencies.
Mrs Nkechi Obi, another Lagos-based lawyer with Ochemba Chambers, also supported the policy, describing it as necessary to protect young people from substance abuse. Obi said drug abuse among youths had become a critical concern requiring collective efforts from government, schools, parents and relevant agencies. She urged educational institutions to strengthen counselling and rehabilitation programmes for affected students alongside preventive measures.
The lawyer also called for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to educate students on the dangers associated with substance abuse.
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