FG Makes Drug Tests Mandatory For Secondary School Students

The federal government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of new measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in schools across Nigeria.

The policy, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, mandates drug integrity tests for newly admitted students and periodic screening for both new and returning learners.

Under the new directive, students who repeatedly test positive for substance abuse, even after treatment and rehabilitation, may face interim suspension.

The guideline outlines a broad framework intended to curb the rising rate of substance abuse among students while promoting safer and healthier learning environments nationwide.

According to the document, the policy seeks to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.”

The document further states that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”

It added that the screening process must be conducted “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”

The guideline also directs schools to carry out periodic and unannounced drug tests for students at least once every academic session.

It further stated that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

In addition, the government prohibited students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or any other substances of abuse without authorisation from school authorities.

The document stated that “all students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority.”

The new measures form part of the federal government’s broader efforts to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among young people and strengthen discipline, safety, and academic performance in schools across the country.