In a recent announcement, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, revealed a new requirement for prospective students seeking admission to the university.
Going forward, all applicants must undergo and present the results of a drug test as part of the admission process. Prof. Na’allah made this significant disclosure during the 27th Pre-Convocation briefing held in Abuja, emphasizing the university’s partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address drug abuse issues among students and facilitate their rehabilitation.
The decision to assess the drug status of students stems from the university’s commitment to promoting a drug-free environment and supporting students in their pursuit of education without the influence of drugs.
Prof. Na’allah clarified that students found to be using drugs will not face expulsion but will instead be rehabilitated through collaboration with the NDLEA.
Additionally, Prof. Na’allah shared details about the upcoming convocation ceremony, where a significant number of students are set to graduate. A total of 7,128 undergraduate students, including 100 PhDs, 326 academic Masters, and 346 Professional Masters, will be conferred degrees.
The academic achievements range from First Class to Third Class, with a notable shift being the discontinuation of the Pass degree. In line with its global aspirations, the university is expanding its language offerings, introducing Russian as a compulsory language course for students.
The move aims to enhance students’ exposure to diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives, fostering a broader understanding of the world.
Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the university’s efforts to secure funding for alumni, engage philanthropists, and collaborate with foundations to sponsor research projects and training initiatives.
He also shared that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 26 new academic programs, including Nursing, Communication and Media Studies, Pharmacy, Tourism and Hospitality, and Agricultural Engineering, set to commence in the 2023/2024 academic session.
