Education

Sarkin Kano advocates drug abuse test for leaders

Published

6 years ago

June 26, 2020

Oboh Mike

Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado has advocated for political and appointed leaders to be tested for drug abuse as a measure to clear the rising drug abuse in the country.

The Emir, who was represented in by Dr. Basheer Mohammed Dankadai in an Electronic Summit against drug abuse organized by the Center for Drug Abuse Education & Skills Acquisition said the Kano Emirate Council will want what is obtainable in Kano is extended to all political and appointed leaders across the country.

According to His Royal Highness, Bayero, who spoke on strategies for combating drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, the Council was prompted to take a close look at the drug and substance abuse problem in Kano state and Nigeria at large with the aim of preferring possible solutions that will drastically curtail the menace.

He listed among others the testing of all leaders of authorities before they are cleared to hold such position as obtainable in the State, “We at the Kano Emirate Council reserve all our titles from the ward head to the Emir to only those that are drug-free. This includes other traditional titles that are trade-related (occupational) eg. Sarkin Noma(chief of farmers), Sarkin Aska(chief of barbers).

“Cutting off the supply of all substances of abuse which will involve the following actions, aggressive search and seize operations in the illegal drug markets, our land, sea borders and airports and also our highways and rail system by the task forces concerned. Presently such task forces are understaffed and ill-equipped, not to mention the peculiar problem of some major wholesale markets being inaccessible to law enforcement agents. Such markets include Kano Sabon Gari, Lagos Oshodi, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

“Effective enforcement of existing laws and enacting new laws that will complement the existing ones. Such new laws should include those that will ban legal drugs that have a high potential for abuse and are currently being abused but have good alternatives that are less likely to be abused. These should include but are not limited to Benny line with codeine (already banned, Tramadol hydrochloride, Pentazocine, and Rohypnol, etc.”

Bayero further said that the application of. Drastically curving demand can be achieved through aggressive awareness campaigns by our traditional rulers’ imams ulamaa, CSO’s, NGO’s Development partners, etc.

He said a law denying recognition to those who made it to the top through illicit drugs business may act as a disincentive to drug abuse by the youths adding that in the civil service certain grade levels should be reserved for only those that are drug-free just as the National Assembly should make it mandatory for any political office seeker to be drug-free.

He applauded Kano State government under the leadership of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for taking a cue from the Kano Emirate Council by making it mandatory for all new political appointees to pass the drug test before taking their appointment.

He explained that drastically reducing Youth unemployment and increasing the number of well-equipped and staffed rehabilitation centers and continuous awareness campaigns by traditional rulers and other stakeholders will also play a major role.

Also in her presentation, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, said as a mother, “I am worried at the rate of drug use not only amongst young girls but also amongst married women. It has taken a different dimension threatening to destroy the fabric of our society. It is alarming that even in primary school girls have been induced into this unholy act.

“As we embark on our advocacy for all to support our efforts towards promoting girl Girl-Child Education, I want to assure you that we will definitely take this on board as a critical area of focus. So many young and promising lives have been destroyed as a result of drug use.

“Drug use has never benefitted anybody. I want to also appeal to mothers that no matter how busy they are, they should endeavor to take an interest in the company their children keep. I also want to call on students to speak out when they notice something strange about their friends.

On her Part, Wife Of Kwara State Governor, Dr (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrazaq and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick said the will continue to support the idea for the elimination of drug abuse in the country as it has a telling effect on the overall wellbeing of the people.

Ar Olufolake Abdulrazaq who commended the organizers of the summit said anything that will not add value to the society should be collectively eliminated hence her husband and the government of the State is doing everything possible to help check the menace.

NFF president, Pinnick said he will use football as a tool to help spread the negative effects of drug abuse and called on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight to checkmate it.

Abi Goodman, the Founder and Executive Program Coordinator of the Center for Drug Abuse Education & Skills Acquisition said as anticipated, the participations gave the summit the credence and extensive reach that it required and the commitment that the battle against drug abuse deserves will be achievable.

Mr. Shadrach Haruna, Secretary of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the agency wants more NGOs and other government t organization to support the awareness campaign to enable the summit to reach more people even at the grassroots level.

Share on Facebook

Education

Historic Matriculation: EUN Unveils ₦50bn Research Endowment

Published

7 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria (EUN), Nicholas Ukachukwu, has announced the establishment of a ₦50 billion research endowment fund aimed at driving innovation and cutting-edge research across specialised disciplines in the institution.

Ukachukwu disclosed this during an interview on the sidelines of the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony, explaining that the fund would support research in critical sectors such as medicine, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and other technical fields.

According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that research carried out at the university produces practical solutions with real societal impact rather than remaining purely theoretical.

“We set up this university to be a centre for research, and the ₦50 billion endowment fund will focus on special categories of research and disciplines,” he said.

The chancellor explained that the university intends to support research from the discovery stage to practical application, particularly in areas such as drug development and technological innovation.

He noted that breakthroughs in these areas require specialised expertise, modern equipment and sustained investment, adding that the institution is committed to creating an enabling environment for researchers and students.

Ukachukwu emphasised that the research culture at EUN would be driven by results and societal relevance.

“I cannot call people, including myself, to put together ₦50 billion and allow research outcomes to gather dust on shelves. Whatever we invest in must produce results and impact lives,” he said.

He added that the university aims to nurture students who think beyond conventional classroom learning and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Ukachukwu further revealed that the institution is building a centre of excellence equipped with advanced technology and highly skilled professionals, noting that government institutions may eventually collaborate with the university to benefit from its facilities and research outputs.

According to him, the university expects to begin seeing significant outcomes from its research investments within the next one to five years.Earlier in his welcome address at the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of EUN, Emmanuel Ibezim, urged the pioneer students to pursue academic excellence, discipline and innovation throughout their stay at the institution.

Ibezim described the event as historic, noting that it marked the formal admission of the university’s first set of students.He said the university is committed to producing graduates who are intellectually sound, ethically grounded and globally competitive.

“Your admission into this university is a testament to your hard work and potential. However, admission is only the first step; what truly matters is what you do with the opportunity before you,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the students that the institution would provide quality teaching, modern laboratories, digital learning resources and mentorship to support their academic development.

He urged them to embrace critical thinking, creativity and innovation while making effective use of the university’s learning facilities.Ibezim also stressed that the university maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, harassment, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct, advising students to strictly adhere to the institution’s rules and regulations.

He further encouraged the students to participate in approved extracurricular activities, sports and leadership programmes to build teamwork and leadership skills that would prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured parents and guardians that the university management remains committed to improving teaching, research, infrastructure, innovation and student welfare.

A highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath and the signing of the matriculation register by the pioneer students, formally admitting them into the academic community of the university.

Share on Facebook