Students to undertake mandatory drug test for Admission, says Uniabuja VC

In a groundbreaking revelation, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, has unveiled a seismic policy shift: prospective students must now undergo and present a drug test before admission into the institution.

Speaking at the electrifying 27th Pre-Convocation briefing in Abuja, Na’allah dropped this academic bombshell, leaving the education world stunned. The reason behind this audacious move is the university’s unwavering commitment to fighting the scourge of drug abuse among students.

He declared that students’ drug status is paramount to ensure a drug-free environment on campus. However, it’s important to note that students involved in drug abuse will not face expulsion but will instead be rehabilitated, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the university and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The implications of this radical shift in the admission process are staggering. Never before has a Nigerian university dared to venture into this uncharted territory of mandatory drug testing, making the University of Abuja a pioneer in the battle against drug abuse in academia.

This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of remarkable academic achievements as the university prepares for its grand convocation. An impressive 7,128 undergraduate students are poised to graduate, marking a monumental milestone in the institution’s journey. Among these graduates are 100 PhDs, 326 academic Masters, and 346 Professional Masters.

The academic excellence doesn’t end there. The university will bestow honors upon 40 students graduating with First Class, 474 with Second Class Upper, 944 with Second Class Lower, and 174 with Third Class. But in a startling twist, Prof. Na’allah declared the end of an era as the university bans Pass degrees moving forward.

The convocation ceremony promises to be an unforgettable event, with the university conferring an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters upon Prof. Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Houston, in recognition of his profound contributions to the growth and development of the institution and African universities at large.

But that’s not all. The University of Abuja is set to rewrite the academic playbook by introducing Russian Language as part of its mandatory curriculum. This audacious step is designed to broaden students’ horizons and ensure that new knowledge is readily accessible.

In the words of Prof. Na’allah, “The university has developed into a global university,” offering a multitude of languages, including Japanese, French, and Portuguese, among others. The university’s vision is clear: every student must study and pass a foreign language before graduation, with Russian Language being the latest addition to this dynamic academic landscape.

As the university boldly strides into the future, it’s also forging vital connections. Fundraising initiatives targeting alumni, philanthropists, and foundations are underway to support groundbreaking research and training programs.

And if all of this isn’t enough, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has given its nod to 26 new academic programs at the university. From Nursing and Communication and Media Studies to Pharmacy, Tourism and Hospitality, and Agricultural Engineering, the University of Abuja is poised to redefine the educational landscape.

In this era of educational innovation and transformation, the University of Abuja stands as a shining beacon, daring to push the boundaries of academia while championing integrity, excellence, and a drug-free learning environment.