The Federal Government has introduced mandatory and random drug testing in secondary schools across Nigeria, warning that students who repeatedly test positive for substance abuse could face temporary suspension and compulsory rehabilitation under new national guidelines.
The new measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a policy framework aimed at addressing the growing rate of drug abuse among adolescents and students nationwide.
Under the policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug screening at the point of admission, while returning students will also be subjected to periodic and unannounced tests at least once every academic session.
According to the guidelines, the drug tests will be conducted in partnership with approved federal and state health facilities to ensure proper monitoring and compliance.
“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 document stated.
The Federal Government explained that the policy forms part of broader efforts to curb rising cases of substance abuse among young people, which authorities say have continued to affect students’ academic performance, behaviour, mental health and security within school environments.
The guidelines adopted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime definition of drugs as substances taken to alter the way people feel, think or behave, including illegal narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication and other controlled substances.
Schools have also been directed to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on drug education, awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes for students, parents and stakeholders.
Under the new rules, students are prohibited from possessing or using narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities.
The policy further introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive for drug use.
Students who fail the first drug test will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities.
“Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority,” the guideline stated.
Students who test positive a second time will be referred to medical professionals for specialised treatment and further evaluation.
However, students who repeatedly fail subsequent tests after multiple interventions could face temporary suspension from school and compulsory rehabilitation.
“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 that might be found appropriate by the professional,” the document added.
The Federal Government also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening to help them understand the process, accept results and access support where necessary.
Schools have equally been directed to establish disciplinary committees led by administrators to enforce the policy and monitor compliance among students.
The guidelines warned that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, must be reported to law enforcement agencies.
It added that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may be separated from the school environment until authorities are satisfied that they are medically and psychologically stable.
The new policy comes amid growing national concern over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among teenagers in Nigeria, with education stakeholders calling for stronger interventions to protect students and improve discipline in schools.