The Federal Government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of fresh measures aimed at tackling rising cases of substance abuse among adolescents across the country.
Under the new policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests before being allowed into the school system.
The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, recently issued for secondary schools nationwide.
According to the document, the initiative is designed to curb drug abuse among students and create a safer environment for learning.
The guideline stated that all students would be subjected to drug screening and other approved checks in collaboration with recognised federal and state health institutions.
It added that schools would also conduct periodic and unannounced drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
The government further prohibited students from possessing or consuming narcotic drugs, controlled substances and other banned items without approval from school authorities.
However, the policy noted that students undergoing treatment with controlled medication for health reasons must disclose such through their parents or guardians during admission.
The new framework also introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive for drug use.
Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and preliminary treatment supervised by school authorities.
Those who test positive again will be referred to medical professionals for further treatment and specialised care.
The guideline stated that students who continue to test positive after repeated interventions could face temporary suspension from school to allow for rehabilitation and recovery.
It explained that such students would only be allowed back into the school environment after being certified stable by relevant professionals.
The document also made provision for compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling to prepare students psychologically and provide support after the release of results.
To ensure enforcement, all schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees headed by school administrators.
The policy further directed schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including physical assaults and injuries, to law enforcement agencies.
It also warned that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may be temporarily separated from the school environment until they are considered fit to return.
The Federal Government said the measures became necessary following increasing concerns over the effect of drug abuse on students’ academic performance, mental health, discipline and security within schools.
While some stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a step toward addressing substance abuse among youths, concerns have also been raised over implementation challenges, students’ rights and the preparedness of schools and healthcare facilities to effectively enforce the policy nationwide.
