Tafawa Balewa University Makes Drug Test Mandatory For Students As Condition For Release Of Exam Results

The Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof Ibrahim Hassan Garba, has directed that students who fail to submit their toxicology test results will not have their examination results released by the institution.

The directive was issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Hassan Yakub, and his team to the university’s Council Chamber at Prof Buba Bajoga Senate Building, Gubi Campus, on Thursday, April 30.

Prof Garba emphasized the need for drug awareness among students, particularly on the dangers of substance abuse, including cannabis and other prohibited drugs. He reaffirmed the institution’s support for compulsory drug testing for students and newly employed staff.

He was quoted as saying, “his administration is in total support of the drug integrity test to all Students and new employees of the University.”

He further highlighted the wider impact of drug abuse, stating, “Misuse of drugs has greatly affected a great number of Nigerian population,” and added that the university would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies “to collaborate and to assist the agency wherever necessary.”

On his part, the NDLEA commander called for stronger partnership with the university to curb drug abuse and trafficking within higher institutions. He explained, “Drug and crime are related especially among youth and such drugs influence them to commit crimes.”

He further stressed that, “majority of students are youth and the Vice Chancellor as the custodian of the youth needs to collaborate in order to reduce to the barest minimum, if not eliminate, the misuse of hard drugs.”