The Federal Government has unveiled sweeping new measures to tackle drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, including compulsory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for repeat offenders after rehabilitation efforts.
The new policy, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, mandates that all newly admitted secondary school students undergo drug integrity tests at the point of entry.
According to the guideline obtained by our correspondent, the policy is aimed at reducing the rising rate of substance abuse among students while creating safer and healthier learning environments in schools nationwide.
The document stated that the initiative 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.”
Under the directive, schools are expected to collaborate with approved federal and state health facilities in carrying out the screenings.
“The process shall be carried out in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures,” the guideline noted.
Beyond admission screening, the policy also requires schools to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
The guideline stressed that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The Federal Government also banned students from possessing or consuming narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other forms of drugs 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 document added.
However, the policy allows students with medical conditions requiring controlled medication to declare such drugs through their parents or guardians during admission.
The guideline introduced a three-stage intervention system for students who test positive for substance 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 document stated.
A second positive test will lead to referral to medical professionals for specialised treatment and care.
“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 policy said.
Students who continue to test positive after a third round of intervention may face temporary suspension from school to undergo 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 guideline added.
The policy further makes pre-test and post-test counselling compulsory for students undergoing screening.
According to the document, pre-test counselling is designed to prepare students psychologically for the exercise, reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation.
“Post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help,” the guideline explained.
To ensure compliance, every secondary school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator.
The policy also directed schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, to law enforcement agencies.
Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily removed from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”
The development comes amid growing concerns among education and health stakeholders over increasing cases of drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents and its impact on academic performance, mental health, discipline and security in schools.
While supporters believe the policy could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are likely to question the implementation capacity of schools, student welfare protections and the readiness of health facilities to support the nationwide programme,
