The federal government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of new measures aimed at tackling substance abuse in schools across Nigeria.
The new policy is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, obtained by Punch Newspapers
Under the framework, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests at the point of entry into school.
The guideline also directs schools to conduct periodic drug tests for students.
“All students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities,” the document states.
The policy prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances and other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities.
“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 guideline adds.
STUDENTS UNDER MEDICATION
However, the government said students who require controlled medication for medical conditions must declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.
The policy establishes a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive.
According to the guideline, 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 document states.
Students who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for specialised treatment and attention.
“If found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required,” the guideline adds.
The government also said students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention may face temporary suspension from school while undergoing 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,” the document states.
COMPULSORY PRE-TEST
The policy further introduces compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.
According to the guideline, pre-test counselling is intended to prepare students for testing, reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation, while post-test counselling will help students understand results and access support where necessary.
To ensure enforcement, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator.
The policy also directs schools to report violent incidents linked to drug abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, to law enforcement agencies.
In addition, students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may be temporarily separated from the school environment until they are considered stable.
The development follows growing concerns over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents, with stakeholders warning about its effects on academic performance, discipline, mental health and school safety.
