FG Introduces Mandatory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students
The Federal Government has introduced mandatory drug tests for secondary school students as part of renewed efforts to combat substance abuse in schools across Nigeria.
Under the new policy, students seeking admission into secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry, while students who repeatedly test positive after treatment and rehabilitation may face temporary suspension from school.
The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, recently released by the Federal Government.
According to the guideline, the policy is aimed at addressing the growing cases of drug abuse among students and creating a safer learning environment across schools nationwide.
The document stated that the initiative seeks to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in institutions by reducing the negative effects of substance abuse on the mental health and academic performance of students.”
As part of the implementation process, all newly admitted students are expected to undergo drug screening in collaboration with approved federal and state health facilities.
The guideline further directed schools to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both newly admitted and returning students at least once every academic session.
It also prohibited students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, and other drugs of abuse without approval from school authorities.
However, students using medically prescribed controlled drugs are expected to declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.
To manage cases of drug abuse, the guideline introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive.
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 further treatment and specialised attention.
According to the guideline, students who continue to test positive after a third intervention may be temporarily removed from the school environment to undergo rehabilitation.
The policy also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.
The guideline explained that pre-test counselling is intended to prepare students for the screening process, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation, and build trust, while post-test counselling is aimed at helping students understand their results and access appropriate support where necessary.
To ensure compliance, the Federal Government directed all schools to establish disciplinary committees headed by school administrators.
The guideline further warned that violent acts linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, would be reported to law enforcement agencies.
It added that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily separated from the school environment until they are considered stable.