FG Orders Mandatory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students

The Federal Government has introduced compulsory drug tests for newly admitted and returning secondary school students across Nigeria as part of fresh measures to tackle drug and substance abuse in schools nationwide.

The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

Under the new policy, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests at the point of entry, while schools are also expected to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

According to the guideline, the policy aims 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 framework also prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs and controlled substances without approval from school authorities. However, students requiring controlled medication for medical reasons are expected to declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy introduces a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive, including counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and possible temporary suspension for repeat offenders who fail repeated tests after interventions.

The Federal Government said the measures are part of broader efforts to reduce the growing rate of drug abuse among adolescents and ensure safer learning environments across schools in the country.