FG Introduces Mandatory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students Nationwide

On Sunday in Nigeria, the Federal Government introduced a new policy that requires drug testing for secondary school students as part of efforts to reduce drug and substance abuse in schools and improve student behaviour and academic performance. The policy was announced under new national guidelines for schools and will be applied across secondary schools in the country.

The policy states that all newly admitted students in secondary schools must undergo drug testing before they are fully accepted into the school system. It also requires schools to carry out regular and surprise drug tests on both new and returning students at least once every school session. The aim is to identify students who may be involved in substance use early and provide support where needed.

According to the guidelines, students who test positive for drugs will go through a step-by-step process. The first stage involves counselling and basic treatment under school supervision. If a student tests positive again, the case will be moved to health professionals for further treatment and care. If the problem continues after another test, the student may be temporarily removed from school to undergo proper rehabilitation.

The rules also say that students must declare any prescribed drugs they are taking through their parents or guardians during admission. Schools are also required to set up disciplinary committees to handle cases related to drug use and ensure proper enforcement of the policy.

Any violent behaviour linked to substance use must be reported to security agencies.
The policy includes counselling before and after drug tests to help students understand the process and cope with the results. It also requires cooperation between schools and approved health centres to carry out the tests properly.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is behind the implementation of the new guidelines, which are part of wider efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address rising cases of drug use among young people in schools.