The Federal Government has rolled out compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of a nationwide effort to curb substance abuse among young people.
Under the new policy, students seeking admission into secondary schools will now undergo mandatory drug integrity tests, while those who repeatedly test positive after treatment and counselling could face temporary suspension from school.
The directive is contained in the newly introduced National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, aimed at tackling the growing problem of drug abuse in learning environments.
According to the guidelines, the policy is intended to create a safer and healthier atmosphere for teaching and learning by reducing the impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health, behaviour, and academic performance.
The document stated that all newly admitted students must undergo drug screening at the point of entry, with schools expected to work alongside approved federal or state health facilities to conduct the tests.
Beyond admission screening, schools are also expected to organise periodic and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
The government further warned that students are prohibited from possessing or consuming narcotics, controlled drugs, or other banned substances without approval from school authorities.
However, students placed on controlled medication for medical reasons are expected to disclose such treatments through their parents or guardians during admission.
To manage cases of drug abuse, the guidelines introduced a three-step intervention process.
Students who test positive for the first time will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities.
Those who fail a second test will be referred to healthcare professionals for more specialised care and rehabilitation.
For students who continue to test positive after repeated interventions, the policy allows schools to temporarily remove them from the school environment to undergo proper rehabilitation until they are considered stable.
The government also made pre-test and post-test counselling compulsory for every student undergoing screening.
Officials explained that pre-test counselling is designed to prepare students emotionally, reduce anxiety, and encourage cooperation, while post-test counselling helps students understand and cope with their results, whether positive or negative.
To ensure strict compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator.
The guidelines also directed schools to report violent acts linked to drug abuse including fighting and physical attacks to law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said the measures are part of broader efforts to protect students and restore discipline within the nation’s school system.
