The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has attributed the rising cases of drug abuse among students and youths in Malete, headquarters of Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, to the increasing number of club houses operating around Kwara State University (KWASU).

The Kwara State Commander of the NDLEA, Fatima Popoola, made the disclosure during a drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the agency in collaboration with KWASU.

Popoola described the abuse of nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, as a growing concern, revealing that the agency has made several arrests linked to the substance in Malete.

"We have been making repeated arrests involving the abuse of laughing gas in Malete, and this is very heartbreaking. One suspect was even arrested behind an off-campus hostel," she said.

According to her, the increasing number of club houses in the university community has contributed significantly to the spread of substance abuse among young people.

"There are many club houses in Malete where laughing gas is abused during parties and social gatherings. When inhaled, it affects the brain, causing users to laugh uncontrollably and behave abnormally.

"Establishing clubs is not a crime, but our concern is the kind of activities taking place there," she added.

The NDLEA commander also accused some landlords and house agents of unknowingly aiding drug trafficking by renting apartments in student hostels to non-students who allegedly use the premises as distribution points for illicit drugs.

"In many off-campus hostels, we have discovered that some people rent rooms among students solely to sell drugs. House agents must be more careful about the people they assist in securing accommodation.

"We have carried out several operations across hostels in Malete and arrested many drug dealers. When drug dealers live among students, it becomes easier to lure those who have never used drugs into substance abuse.

"We have also arrested students, particularly female students, involved in drug trafficking. Many claimed they went into the illicit business to finance their education," she said.

Popoola commended the management of Kwara State University for supporting the Federal Government's drug integrity testing policy, noting that the institution was the first tertiary institution in Kwara State to implement the initiative.

"We are not happy with what is happening in Malete and its environs, but I must commend KWASU for taking proactive steps. It was the first institution in the state where we conducted drug integrity tests before extending the exercise to other schools.

"Our goal is to eliminate every form of drug abuse capable of affecting students' academic performance and overall well-being," she said.

She warned landlords and house agents against allocating rooms in student hostels to non-students engaged in criminal activities.

"We are monitoring house agents closely. They should stop renting rooms in student hostels to people who are not students because many of them use such apartments to sell drugs," she warned.

Popoola noted that although the establishment of KWASU had transformed Malete into a thriving commercial town, many landlords had failed to monitor activities within their properties.

"Malete was once a peaceful agrarian community before the establishment of KWASU. The university brought development and economic prosperity, but many landlords are no longer paying attention to what happens in the houses they rent out.

"Why should anyone rent a house only to use it for selling drugs to students? Landlords must reject such activities. Drug abuse among students will not be tolerated. The next time we come here, it will not be for sensitisation. Enforcement begins immediately," she said.

The NDLEA commander also announced that the agency had secured approval to establish an operational office in Malete to strengthen surveillance and enforcement activities.

Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, reaffirmed the institution's zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse and other social vices.

He described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to students and society, noting that it undermines academic performance, fuels criminality and destroys the future of young people.

"At Kwara State University, we maintain zero tolerance for drug abuse and every other form of social vice. We are committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment where discipline, integrity and responsible conduct are upheld," he said.

Professor Jimoh warned that the university would not hesitate to invoke its disciplinary procedures against any student found guilty of drug abuse or any conduct capable of bringing the institution into disrepute.

"While we remain firm in enforcing our regulations, we also believe prevention through education and sustained sensitisation remains the most effective approach. Today's programme reflects that commitment," he added.