The Federal Government has launched a sweeping policy requiring compulsory drug testing for both new and returning students across Nigerian secondary schools, marking one of the country’s most assertive moves yet against adolescent substance abuse.
The measure is outlined in the newly released “National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria,” which sets out a structured framework for identifying, managing, and rehabilitating students affected by drug use.
Under the policy, all freshly admitted students must undergo drug screening upon entry, while existing students will face periodic testing at least once per academic session. The government says the initiative is designed to foster a safer learning atmosphere and curb the growing impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health and academic outcomes.
The guidelines also ban students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or any other prohibited items without explicit approval from school authorities.
Schools will be required to follow a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive. A first positive result triggers counselling and school-administered treatment. A second positive result leads to a referral to medical professionals for more comprehensive care. Students who test positive a third time may face temporary suspension from school pending professional rehabilitation.
Both pre-test and post-test counselling are made compulsory under the guidelines. Pre-test sessions are intended to prepare students for the screening process and ease anxiety, while post-test counselling helps students interpret their results and connect with appropriate support services.
Every secondary school is additionally required to set up a disciplinary committee to oversee compliance. Schools must also report any violent incidents connected to substance abuse to law enforcement. Students who refuse prescribed treatment or rehabilitation risk temporary suspension until certified as stable by medical professionals.
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