By Balarabe Oshiafi
The Rector of Auchi Polytechnic and Chairman of the Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors (COFER), Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar has expressed gratitude over his latest appointment as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the development of implementation guidelines for the prevention of illicit drug use and abuse in Nigerian schools by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Official reports made available to ExpressDay Newspaper on Tuesday quoted the Rector as commending the Ministry for prioritizing the health, safety, and future of the nation’s students. The committee’s task, he explained, was to develop practical, actionable, and collaborative guidelines that could be implemented across diverse school contexts.
The committee’s approach, Dr. Umar stated, would be evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable, drawing on best practices from education, health, community engagement, and youth development. To ensure ownership, relevance, and measurable impact, the committee would engage stakeholders at all levels, including government, school leadership, teachers, parents, students, health professionals, and community organizations.
Dr. Umar expressed his gratitude to the Honorable Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for entrusting the mandate to the team. He assured that the team would work diligently to produce guidelines that were both aspirational and actionable, with the ultimate goal of making Nigerian schools safer, healthier, and more conducive to learning and personal growth.
The Rector the report says, hoped that the effort would contribute meaningfully to the development of a drug-free generation and a brighter future for the nation.
