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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has charged graduating students of the University of Abuja to steer clear of illicit drug use, warning that the consequences could permanently damage their futures.
Marwa gave the charge on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture at the institution’s 29th and 30th combined ceremony, titled “High Today, Lost Tomorrow: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus.”
He lamented that drug abuse, once largely associated with street culture, has now permeated tertiary institutions, evolving into a serious threat within academic environments.
“Drug abuse is no longer confined to the streets; it has entered our lecture halls. What appears as a moment of pleasure can end in a lifetime of regret,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss cautioned that involvement in drug-related offences carries lifelong implications, particularly for young graduates preparing to enter professional careers.
“A drug conviction is a life sentence on your career before it even begins. You cannot practise law, medicine, or engineering with such a record,” he warned.
Highlighting emerging trends, Marwa noted a shift from traditional substances to more dangerous synthetic drugs, often circulated through peer influence and social media networks. He added that drug abuse remains closely linked to cultism, violence, and declining academic performance.
“Drug abuse is the twin brother of cultism and violence. It destroys memory, weakens judgment, and robs young people of their potential,” he said.
Citing NDLEA statistics, he disclosed that youths constitute the majority of drug offenders nationwide, with many introduced to substance abuse at an early age.
“Over 60 per cent of those arrested for drug offences in the last five years are young people. Alarmingly, even children under 15 are now experimenting with illicit substances,” he revealed.
Addressing the graduates, Marwa urged them to remain disciplined and make deliberate choices as they transition into a fast-evolving, technology-driven world.
“There is no room for a clouded mind in an AI-powered, fast-paced world. If your circle demands that you get ‘high’ to belong, then you are in the wrong circle,” he said.
“Nigeria needs your talent, your energy, and most importantly, your sober mind to lead the next decade. Don’t trade your future for a temporary high,” he added.
He further called on stakeholders including families, academic institutions, and government agencies to intensify collaborative efforts in combating drug abuse, noting its far-reaching impact on society.
“Drug abuse does not affect only the user it destroys families, weakens institutions, and fuels crime. A nation cannot thrive when its youths are compromised,” Marwa stressed.
He commended the university’s management for its partnership with NDLEA in strengthening campus surveillance and urged other institutions to prioritise drug education and awareness.
Dignitaries at the event included Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Olanrewaju Tejuoso; Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi; Council Member, Adedeji Adefuye; as well as senior university officials, students, and top NDLEA officers.