The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced fresh measures aimed at combating drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across the country, making drug testing compulsory for students in both public and private institutions nationwide.
Under the new policy, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests before securing full admission into schools. Authorities said the move is part of broader efforts to curb the growing rate of substance abuse among teenagers and create safer learning environments.
The policy is contained in the
National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, which outlines procedures for screening, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation of students linked to drug abuse.
According to the guidelines, the government intends to make schools safer and improve students’ academic performance, behaviour, and mental health by reducing the impact of substance abuse.
The document stated that all students admitted into secondary schools would be subjected to drug screening in collaboration with approved government health facilities and recognised procedures.
Beyond admission screening, schools have also been directed to conduct routine and surprise drug tests at least once every academic session. The tests will apply to both newly admitted and returning students.
The government further prohibited students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, and other banned items within school premises without authorisation from school authorities.
However, exemptions were made for students undergoing medical treatment involving controlled medication, with parents and guardians required to disclose such medications during admission processes.
The framework introduced a three-stage intervention system for students who test positive.
Students who fail a first test will undergo counselling and basic treatment supervised by school authorities, with officials stressing that the focus is not solely punishment but also rehabilitation and early intervention.
Those who test positive a second time will be referred to medical professionals for specialised treatment and closer monitoring.
The guideline further stated that students who repeatedly test positive after multiple interventions could face temporary suspension while undergoing rehabilitation and treatment outside the school environment.
Authorities explained that such suspensions are intended to allow affected students receive proper care before returning to school when deemed stable.
The policy also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students.
According to the document, pre-test counselling is aimed at preparing students mentally for screening, reducing anxiety, and explaining the purpose of the exercise, while post-test counselling will help students understand their results and access appropriate support systems regardless of the outcome.
To strengthen enforcement, every secondary school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator to oversee implementation and handle drug-related cases.
Schools have also been directed to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies. Cases involving fighting, injuries, or other dangerous conduct connected to drug abuse will no longer be handled internally alone.
The guidelines added that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily removed from the school environment until authorities confirm they are fit to return.
The development comes amid growing concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young Nigerians, with education stakeholders and health experts repeatedly warning about its effects on students’ behaviour, academic performance, and mental wellbeing.
While many parents and school administrators are expected to welcome the initiative, concerns are already emerging over implementation, funding, and the availability of qualified health professionals to support schools nationwide.
