“High Today, Lost Tomorrow” — Mohamed Buba Marwa Warns Students Against Drug Abuse

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, has issued a strong warning to Nigerian youths, particularly those in tertiary institutions, over the dangers of drug abuse, describing it as a threat capable of destroying their future.

Marwa gave the warning on Tuesday while delivering a public lecture at the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja. The lecture, titled “High Today, Lost Tomorrow: The Real Cost of Drug Abuse on Campus,” highlighted the growing prevalence of substance abuse among students.

According to a statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa noted that drug abuse has moved beyond street-level concerns and is now deeply entrenched within academic environments. He explained that the drug landscape has evolved from traditional substances like cannabis to more dangerous synthetic opioids and designer drugs, including Colorado, Loud, and methamphetamine.

The NDLEA boss also raised concerns about the role of social media platforms in facilitating drug distribution and the increasing involvement of students in trafficking networks. He warned that the temporary pleasure derived from drugs comes with severe consequences, including lasting damage to career prospects.

“A criminal record for drug offences is a life sentence on your career before it even begins. You cannot practice law, medicine, or engineering with a drug-related conviction,” he cautioned.

Marwa outlined the far-reaching effects of substance abuse, stating that it disrupts brain function, impairs memory and critical thinking, and is closely linked to cultism and campus violence. He added that many offenders lose their professional ambitions due to the agency’s zero-tolerance policy.

Citing data from the 2018 National Drug Use and Health Survey, Marwa revealed that substance abuse is most prevalent among Nigerians aged 25 to 39, with many individuals initiated into drug use as early as 19 years—and in some cases, even younger. He further disclosed that over 60 per cent of the 77,859 drug offenders arrested in the past five years were youths, while the majority of the 48,836 individuals treated in NDLEA facilities within the same period were also young people.

Addressing graduating students, Marwa urged them to remain focused and avoid negative peer influence as they transition into a fast-paced, technology-driven world. He stressed that success requires a clear and disciplined mind, warning against associations that encourage substance abuse.

He also called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in combating drug abuse, noting its ripple effects on families, institutions, and society at large. According to him, the link between drug abuse and crime remains a pressing concern that must be addressed collectively.

Marwa commended the leadership of the University of Abuja for its collaboration with NDLEA in strengthening campus surveillance and encouraged other institutions to prioritise drug education through orientation programmes and academic activities.

Dignitaries present at the lecture included Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olanrewaju Tejuoso; Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi; Council Member, Adedeji Adefuye; alongside senior university officials, students, and top NDLEA officers.