The federal government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of new measures to tackle substance abuse in schools across Nigeria.
The policy is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria.
Under the directive, newly admitted students will undergo drug integrity tests, while both new and returning students will face periodic screenings.
Students who repeatedly test positive for substance abuse, even after treatment and rehabilitation, may face interim suspension.
According to the document, the policy aims 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 added 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.”
It also stated that the screening process must be conducted “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”
Schools have also been directed to conduct periodic and unannounced drug tests for students at least once every academic session.
