The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a compulsory drug testing system for secondary school students as part of new efforts to address substance abuse.
FG introduced the measure as part of the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.
The new policy, unveiled last week, will subject all secondary school students to mandatory drug tests at the point of admission. The tests will be carried out in collaboration with federal and state health facilities and procedures.
Beyond the entry-level tests, schools are also expected to conduct impromptu drug tests for students at least once every session.
The policy features a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive to substance usage or abuse.
Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and initial treatments as determined by appropriate authorities. Those who test positive for the second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment. Meanwhile, students who consistently test positive more than three times could be temporarily suspended by their schools.
If found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation that might be found appropriate by the professional,” the policy statement noted.
In addition to existing measures, the policy also features pre-test and post-test counselling for students.
Specifically, the policy seeks to reduce the growing substance abuse cases among students and also create safer learning environments nationwide.
The move is expected to reduce the effects of these substances on mental health and academic performance of students. It is also expected to discourage students from using or possessing narcotics drugs, and other substances.
However, students requiring certain medication for medical conditions will be required to declare such through their parents or guardians during admission
