The Federal Government has announced plans to enforce compulsory drug testing for students in secondary schools across Nigeria as part of efforts to curb substance abuse among teenagers.
The new directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a policy designed to create a safer and healthier learning environment for students nationwide.
Under the guidelines, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug screening before gaining admission, while returning students will also be subjected to routine drug tests at least once every academic session.
According to the government, the policy is aimed at reducing the growing rate of drug abuse among adolescents and improving students’ mental health, behaviour, and academic performance.
The guidelines also prohibit students from possessing or using narcotics, controlled drugs, or any banned substances without proper approval from school authorities.
To manage cases of drug abuse, the policy introduced a three-step intervention process for students who test positive.
Students who fail the first drug test will receive counselling and treatment recommended by school authorities. Those who test positive again will be referred to medical experts for further evaluation and treatment.
Students who continue to test positive after repeated interventions may be temporarily withdrawn from the school environment to undergo professional rehabilitation and recovery programmes.
The policy further makes counselling compulsory before and after every drug test. Pre-test counselling is expected to help students understand the screening process, reduce fear, and build trust, while post-test counselling will assist students in understanding their results and accessing support services where necessary.
In addition, all secondary schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees to ensure compliance with the new rules. Schools are also directed to report violent incidents connected to substance abuse to relevant law enforcement agencies.
The Federal Government added that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation recommended by professionals could face temporary suspension until they are certified fit to return to school.
