The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a statewide awareness campaign on the newly introduced Drug Integrity Test (DIT) policy across tertiary institutions in Katsina State as part of efforts to strengthen drug control and promote a drug-free academic environment.

Speaking during advocacy visits to selected higher institutions on Friday in Katsina, the team lead of the campaign, Mustapha Maikudi, said the exercise was aimed at sensitising school authorities and securing their support for the successful implementation of the policy.

Maikudi, who serves as Deputy Commander, Narcotics, Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, urged institutions to educate students on the objectives and benefits of the Drug Integrity Test.

According to him, the policy is not intended to punish students found to be using drugs or deny them access to education.

“The primary objective of the policy is to determine the drug use status of students and provide appropriate intervention measures for those identified as having drug-related challenges,” he said.

He explained that the agency would offer counselling, treatment and rehabilitation support where necessary, adding that the initiative was designed to help shape responsible future leaders.

Maikudi noted that the intensified advocacy became necessary due to the low level of response recorded since the introduction of the DIT policy earlier in 2026.

As part of the awareness drive, the NDLEA team visited Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic and Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where it engaged management and stakeholders on the importance of the programme.

He further called on tertiary institutions to appoint Drug Integrity Test Liaison Officers who would collaborate with the agency to facilitate the effective implementation of the initiative.

The deputy commander assured that the agency would extend the sensitisation campaign to all educational institutions across the state.

In their separate remarks, the Rector of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Dr. Aminu Kaka-Doro, and the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Prof. Nasiru Musa-Yawuri, commended the initiative and expressed support for its implementation.

They also praised the Chairman of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, for his commitment to strengthening drug control efforts in Nigeria.

The institutions pledged to partner with the agency to ensure the successful implementation of the Drug Integrity Test policy across their campuses.