By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a bold crackdown on school-level drug abuse, the Federal Government has introduced compulsory testing for all secondary students in the country.
The new policy prioritizes recovery but maintains a firm stance: students who continue to struggle after rehabilitation will be subject to temporary suspension to ensure a drug-free learning environment.
The new policy entails all newly admitted students into secondary schools to undergo mandatory drug integrity tests as part of the admission process.
The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools sighted by Persecondnews.
According to the document, the policy is intended 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.”
As part of the measures, “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” with the process to be conducted “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”
Beyond admission screening, schools are also expected to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both fresh and returning students at least once every academic session.
The document further states that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The guideline also prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances or any other drugs of abuse without approval from school authorities.
“All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the document reads.
The guideline, however, allows students placed on controlled medications for medical reasons to declare such drugs through their parents or guardians during admission.
The policy establishes a three stage testing and intervention process for students who repeatedly test positive to substance use.
It explained that the objective is “to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”
Students who fail the first drug test will undergo counselling and preliminary treatment as may be determined by school authorities.
“Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority.” It states.
Students who test positive a second time will then be referred to professionals for specialised treatment and further attention.
According to the guideline, if found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required.
For students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides for temporary suspension from the school environment to enable rehabilitation.
The policy also introduces compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling sessions for students undergoing screening.
The guideline explains that “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”
It added that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”
To ensure compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator with clearly defined responsibilities.
The document further instructs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting and inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”
It also warns that students who fail to comply with treatment or rehabilitation procedures would be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”
The latest directive comes against growing concerns over the rising incidence of drug and substance abuse among adolescents across the country, with education and health stakeholders warning that the trend is already affecting academic performance, discipline, mental wellbeing and overall safety in schools.
While the policy has been welcomed by supporters as a bold step toward curbing substance abuse in learning environments, it has also triggered early concerns over how effectively schools and health facilities can implement the measures nationwide, given existing capacity gaps and resource constraints.
Questions are also being raised about the protection of students’ welfare and rights within the enforcement process, even as the government insists the framework is designed to balance discipline with rehabilitation and support.
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