The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have partnered to institutionalise pre-employment alcohol/drug screening as part of efforts to promote drug-free workplaces and academic environments.
The collaboration was unveiled on Monday in Benin, at the opening of a two-day training programme held at the University of Benin.
The training was organised by the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in conjunction with the Forensic Research and Development Centre.
Declaring the training open, Edo Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, described pre-employment screening as a critical preventive measure to safeguard institutional integrity and improve workplace safety.
“Today’s collaboration is not just about detection; it is about prevention, education, and building a healthier, more secure workforce for our state and nation,” he said.
He added that the agency remained committed to supporting institutions in implementing policies that deterred drug abuse from the point of entry.
In her remark, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director, UBTH, also reinforced the health sector’s backing for the initiative.
In his remarks, the Director of the Forensic Research and Development Centre of the University of Benin, Prof. Eddy Ehikhame, said the training would equip participants with the technical knowledge and ethical standards required to conduct reliable substance screening.
He noted that the programme targeted human resource personnel, medical practitioners and security officers.
He said this was aimed at strengthening compliance with national guidelines on drug-free workplace policies.