The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, has announced that 4,500 prospective students will undergo mandatory drug tests before being admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Speaking in Lagos, Lafiaji-Okuneye said the move followed a recent incident in which a drug-addicted student caused panic on campus, prompting the university to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb such cases.

She stressed that excellent results in the UTME and SSCE would not guarantee admission without a drug-free certification.

 “We are a teacher-grooming institution. Our aim is to instill morals and discipline worthy of a teacher, so they can impact the same on their future pupils and students,” the VC said.

Acknowledging the additional cost of the tests, she said it was a necessary investment to ensure students’ mental and academic stability while raising standards for the relatively new university.

Lafiaji-Okuneye also urged parents to instill strong moral values in their children, warning against rushing them through school or patronising “miracle centres” for fake results, which she said often lead to withdrawals when students fail to cope with university standards.

She commended JAMB for improved security features in its examinations, which she noted had reduced malpractice and impersonation.