The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced new rules to help curb drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across the country.
Under the new policy, students in secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug tests, while those who repeatedly test positive after treatment and rehabilitation may face temporary suspension.
The measures are part of the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, created to reduce substance abuse among students and improve the school environment.
According to reports, all newly admitted students will now be required to take drug integrity tests during admission. Schools are also expected to conduct routine and surprise drug tests for students at least once every academic session.
The guideline prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or other banned substances without approval from school authorities.
However, students who require controlled medication for medical reasons must disclose it through their parents or guardians during the admission process.
The government also introduced a three-step intervention process for students who test positive.
Students who fail the first test will receive counselling and basic treatment supervised by the school.
A second positive result will lead to referral to medical professionals for further treatment and support.
Students who continue to test positive after a third intervention may be temporarily suspended while undergoing rehabilitation and additional treatment.
The policy also makes counselling compulsory before and after drug testing.
According to the guideline, pre-test counselling is meant to prepare students emotionally and explain the process, while post-test counselling will help students understand their results and access proper support.
Schools are expected to create disciplinary committees headed by school administrators to monitor and enforce the new rules.
The guideline further directs schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies.
Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation may also be temporarily removed from the school environment until they are considered stable.
The new measures come amid growing concerns about increasing cases of drug abuse among teenagers in Nigeria, with many stakeholders warning about its impact on education, behaviour, mental health, and school safety.
While some people believe the policy could help reduce substance abuse among students, others have raised concerns about how the measures will be implemented and whether schools and health institutions are equipped to handle them effectively nationwide.