The Federal Government has introduced mandatory drug tests for secondary school students as part of new efforts to tackle substance abuse in schools across the country.
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Under the policy, newly admitted students in secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of admission, while students who repeatedly test positive after treatment and rehabilitation risk temporary suspension.
The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.
The guideline outlined measures aimed at addressing rising cases of drug abuse among students and ensuring a safer learning environment in schools nationwide.
According to the document, the policy is designed 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 guideline 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,” adding that the process must be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”
The policy also directed schools to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both newly admitted and returning students at least once every academic session.
The document further provides that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The guideline also prohibited students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances and other drugs of abuse without approval from school authorities.
According to the guideline, “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.”
However, students using controlled medications for medical reasons are required to declare such drugs through their parents or guardians during admission.
The guideline introduced a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive to drugs.
According to the document, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”
Students who fail the first drug test will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities.
The document explains that “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.”
Students who test positive for the second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment and specialised attention.
The guideline further states that “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 added that students who continue to test positive after a third round of intervention may be temporarily removed from the school environment for rehabilitation.
It states that “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 also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing drug screening.
According to the document, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”
It adds that “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.”
To ensure compliance, the government directed every school to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator.
The document also stated that violent acts linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”
It further warned that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures would be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”
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