The Federal Government has unveiled new measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, including compulsory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for repeat offenders who fail rehabilitation procedures.
The new directives are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.
Under the policy, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests during admission. The government said the screening process would be carried out in partnership with approved federal and state health facilities.
According to the guideline, the policy is aimed at creating a safer and healthier learning environment by reducing the impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health, behaviour and academic performance.
The document also stated that schools would be required to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
Students are prohibited from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other banned substances without approval from school authorities. However, students on prescribed medication for health reasons are expected to declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.
The guideline introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive.
Students who fail the first drug test will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities. Those who test positive again will be referred to medical professionals for specialised treatment and support.
If a student continues to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy allows for temporary suspension from the school environment to enable rehabilitation and professional treatment.
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The government also made counselling mandatory before and after every drug screening exercise to help students understand the process, reduce anxiety and provide support regardless of the outcome of the test.
To ensure compliance, schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees led by school administrators. Violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including physical attacks or injuries, are to be reported to law enforcement agencies.
The policy further states that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily removed from the school environment until they are considered stable.
The new measures come amid increasing concerns over rising cases of drug abuse among teenagers in Nigeria and its effects on education, mental health, discipline and security in schools.
While many stakeholders believe the policy could help reduce substance abuse among students, concerns have also been raised about implementation, students’ rights and the readiness of schools and healthcare facilities to effectively carry out the programme nationwide.
