The Federal Government has unveiled new measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, introducing compulsory drug tests for students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after treatment and rehabilitation.
The new policy, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, mandates all newly admitted secondary school students to undergo drug integrity tests at the point of entry.
According to the guideline obtained by our correspondent, the policy seeks to curb the rising rate of substance abuse among students and promote safer learning environments across schools nationwide.
The document stated that the initiative was designed to create “a conducive environment for teaching and learning” by reducing the harmful effects of substance abuse on students’ mental health and academic performance.
Under the policy, schools are required to conduct the screening in collaboration with approved federal or state health facilities and in line with approved procedures.
Beyond admission screening, the guideline also directs schools to carry out periodic and unannounced drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
The policy further prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities. However, students who require controlled medication for health reasons must disclose such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.
The guideline outlines a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive.
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Students who fail the first drug test will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities. Those who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for specialised treatment and further attention.
For students who continue to test positive after a third intervention, the policy provides for temporary suspension from the school environment to enable them undergo rehabilitation and professional treatment.
The government also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing drug screening.
According to the document, pre-test counselling is intended to prepare students for the screening process, reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation, while post-test counselling is aimed at helping students accept their results and access appropriate support services.
To ensure compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator.
The guideline also directs schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, to law enforcement agencies.
It further warns that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may be temporarily removed from the school environment until they are considered stable.
The development comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with stakeholders warning about its impact on discipline, academic performance, mental health, and security in schools.
