CBI News reports that the Federal Government has rolled out a nationwide policy mandating compulsory drug tests for secondary school students in a decisive move to tackle rising substance abuse among teenagers and improve safety in Nigerian schools.

The Federal Government has announced plans to enforce compulsory drug testing for students in secondary schools across Nigeria as part of efforts to curb the growing rate of substance abuse among adolescents.

CBI News gathered that the directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a policy framework designed to create safer and healthier learning environments nationwide.

Under the new guidelines, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug screening before gaining admission, while returning students will also be subjected to routine drug tests at least once every academic session.

According to the government, the initiative is aimed at reducing drug abuse among teenagers while improving students’ mental health, behaviour, discipline, and academic performance.

The guidelines also prohibit students from possessing, consuming, or distributing narcotics, controlled drugs, or any banned substances without proper approval from school authorities.

To manage cases of drug abuse, the policy introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive.

Students who fail the first drug test will receive counselling and treatment recommended by school authorities. Those who test positive again will be referred to medical professionals for further evaluation and specialised treatment.

Students who continue to test positive after repeated interventions may be temporarily withdrawn from the school environment to undergo professional rehabilitation and recovery programmes.

The policy also makes counselling compulsory before and after every drug test. While pre-test counselling is expected to help students understand the screening process and reduce fear, post-test counselling will assist them in understanding their results and accessing support services where necessary.

In addition, all secondary schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Schools have also been directed to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to relevant law enforcement agencies.

The Federal Government added that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation recommended by professionals could face temporary suspension until they are medically certified fit to return to school.

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