The Federal Government has unveiled a new national policy requiring mandatory drug tests for secondary school students across Nigeria as part of efforts to combat rising cases of substance abuse among adolescents.
Under the newly introduced National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, all newly admitted students into secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry. The policy also mandates periodic and surprise drug screenings for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
According to the guideline, the initiative is aimed at creating safer learning environments and reducing the negative impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health, discipline, and academic performance.
The document states that the drug testing process must be conducted in collaboration with approved federal and state health facilities, while schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees to oversee compliance and enforcement.
The policy strictly prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or other harmful drugs without approval from school authorities. However, students who require controlled medications for medical conditions are expected to declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.
To address cases involving students who test positive, the government introduced a three-stage intervention process focused on treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation rather than immediate punishment.
Students who fail an initial drug test will first undergo counselling and basic intervention supervised by school authorities. Those who repeatedly test positive after the first intervention will be referred to professionals for specialised treatment and further evaluation.
The guideline further provides that students who continue to test positive after multiple interventions may face temporary suspension from the school environment to undergo rehabilitation and professional treatment until they are deemed stable.
In addition, the government made pre-test and post-test counselling mandatory to help students understand the process, reduce anxiety, and encourage cooperation during screenings.
The policy also directs schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting and physical assaults, to law enforcement agencies.
The latest directive comes amid growing concerns from education stakeholders, parents, and health experts over increasing cases of drug abuse among young people in Nigeria. Experts have repeatedly warned that substance abuse contributes to poor academic performance, mental health challenges, insecurity, and rising indiscipline in schools.
While supporters of the policy believe the measures could help reduce drug abuse among students and improve safety in schools, critics are expected to raise concerns about implementation, privacy protections, and the readiness of schools and healthcare facilities to effectively manage the nationwide programme.
