The Federal Government has unveiled a new nationwide policy mandating compulsory drug integrity tests for secondary school students as part of broader efforts to combat rising substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria.
Under the new education and health guidelines, students seeking admission into secondary schools will now undergo mandatory drug screening at the point of entry, while returning students will also face periodic and unannounced tests during every academic session.
Brandspur Education News reports that the policy forms part of the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug And Substance Use In Schools In Nigeria, designed to reduce drug abuse cases and create safer learning environments across schools nationwide.
The framework also introduces a structured intervention process for students who test positive, including counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and temporary suspension for repeated drug-related violations after multiple interventions.
According to the guidelines, students found positive during initial testing will receive counselling and supervised treatment from school authorities, while repeat offenders may be referred to healthcare professionals for specialised rehabilitation support.
The policy further directs schools to collaborate with approved federal and state health institutions to conduct screening procedures and ensure compliance with established medical standards.
Authorities say the initiative is aimed at improving student welfare, protecting academic performance, and addressing growing concerns over the impact of substance abuse on discipline, mental health, and school safety.
The guidelines also prohibit students from possessing or consuming narcotic substances, controlled drugs, or other prohibited materials without authorisation from school management.
However, students requiring medically approved controlled medications will be expected to disclose such treatments through parents or guardians during admission procedures.
In addition, schools are required to establish disciplinary committees responsible for enforcement, monitoring compliance, and managing intervention procedures linked to drug-related incidents within school environments.
The policy also provides for mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling to prepare students emotionally, reduce anxiety, and ensure proper guidance following test outcomes.
Violent incidents connected to substance abuse, including physical assaults and injuries within schools, are expected to be reported directly to law enforcement authorities under the new regulations.
Education stakeholders say the policy could strengthen anti-drug campaigns among young people, although concerns remain over implementation capacity, student rights protection, and the readiness of schools and healthcare facilities to effectively manage the nationwide programme.
Analysts believe the success of the initiative will depend largely on proper funding, trained counselling personnel, healthcare collaboration, and consistent enforcement across public and private secondary schools nationwide.
