• The Federal Government has introduced mandatory drug tests for secondary school students
• Newly admitted students must undergo drug screening before entry while schools are to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests every session
• The policy aims to improve student mental health, discipline and academic performance

The Federal Government has rolled out new measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, including compulsory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for repeat offenders who fail rehabilitation procedures.

The new directives are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

Under the policy, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests before gaining entry into school.

According to the guideline, “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”

The screening process is expected to be conducted in partnership with approved federal and state health facilities.

Beyond admission screening, schools are also required to organise routine and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

The document states that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

The guideline further bans students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other harmful drugs without official approval from school authorities.

However, students who rely on controlled medications for medical reasons are expected to declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy introduces a three-step intervention process for students who test positive for drug use.

Students who fail the first test will receive counselling and preliminary treatment determined by school authorities.

The document explained that “persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling.”

Those who test positive again will be referred to specialists for professional care and further treatment.

For students who repeatedly fail subsequent tests, the guideline provides stricter measures.

It states that “if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation.”

The Federal Government said the objective of the policy is to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning” by reducing the harmful effects of substance abuse on students’ mental health, discipline and academic performance.

To strengthen implementation, schools are required to establish disciplinary committees led by school administrators to monitor compliance and coordinate intervention measures.

The policy also mandates counselling sessions before and after every drug test.

According to the document, pre-test counselling is intended to prepare students psychologically, reduce fear and encourage cooperation, while post-test counselling is designed to help students accept their results and access proper support.

In cases involving violence or criminal behaviour linked to substance abuse, schools are expected to report such incidents to law enforcement agencies.

The guideline further warns that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may be separated from the school environment until they are considered stable.

The development comes amid rising concerns over drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with stakeholders warning about its growing impact on education, mental health and school security.

While supporters believe the policy could help reduce substance abuse among students, critics have raised concerns about implementation challenges, student rights, counselling capacity and the readiness of schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.

NDLEA proposes drug tests for politicians, private workers, couples, others

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) launched the Drug Integrity Test program, which is expected to transform into an anti-drug culture for all Nigerians as a preventive measure.

The agency's chairman/CEO, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made this known while speaking during this year's World Drug Day on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.