FG orders compulsory drug screening in secondary schools

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The Federal Government has rolled out stricter nationwide measures to curb drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, introducing mandatory drug testing for students, compulsory counselling, and structured rehabilitation pathways for those who test positive repeatedly.

The policy, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for Secondary Schools, requires all newly admitted students to undergo compulsory drug integrity tests at entry into secondary school. Schools are also mandated to conduct periodic and surprise screenings at least once every academic session in collaboration with approved health facilities.

Under the framework, students found positive for drug use will not be immediately expelled but will pass through a staged intervention process. The first stage involves counselling and initial treatment designed to identify students needing support and guide them towards recovery. A second positive result will trigger referral to professional care providers for more specialised treatment, while a third positive test may lead to temporary suspension from the school environment to allow for rehabilitation.

The guidelines also introduce mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling to reduce anxiety, improve cooperation, and ensure students understand the process and outcomes. Pre-test counselling is aimed at preparing students before screening, while post-test counselling is intended to help them cope with results and access appropriate support services.

Schools are required to establish disciplinary committees headed by school administrators to oversee enforcement, while cases involving violence linked to substance abuse are to be reported to law enforcement authorities. Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation after testing positive may also face temporary removal from school until certified fit to return.

The policy explicitly prohibits possession or use of narcotic drugs or controlled substances without school approval, though it allows students on prescribed medication to declare such treatments through parents or guardians at admission.

Education stakeholders have linked the policy to rising concerns over drug use among adolescents, warning that substance abuse continues to affect academic performance, discipline, mental health, and safety within learning environments.

While some education and health experts describe the measures as a necessary intervention to protect students, others are expected to question the practical capacity of schools and health institutions to implement large-scale testing and rehabilitation nationwide, as well as safeguards for students’ rights and welfare.