The Nigerian government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after treatment and rehabilitation.
This was revealed in a new national guidelines by the federal ministry of education aimed at curbing substance abuse in schools.
The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, which set out procedures for screening, counselling, treatment and disciplinary action in secondary schools nationwide. Under the policy, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests at entry, to be conducted in collaboration with approved federal or state health facilities.
Schools are also required to conduct periodic and unannounced drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session. The guidelines prohibit students from possessing or using narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities, while allowing medically prescribed drugs to be declared by parents or guardians during admission.
Students who test positive will face a three-stage intervention process beginning with counselling and treatment determined by school authorities.
Those who test positive a second time will be referred to medical professionals for further treatment, while students who fail a third test may be temporarily suspended to undergo rehabilitation outside the school environment.
The policy also mandates pre-test and post-test counselling to prepare students for screening, explain results and connect affected students to professional support services.
Schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees headed by administrators to oversee enforcement of the guidelines.Violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or causing injuries, must be reported to law enforcement agencies, according to the document.
The government said the measures are intended to create safer learning environments and reduce the impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health, discipline and academic performance.
The policy comes amid growing concern among education and health stakeholders over rising drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria.