FG LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE DRUG TESTING POLICY TO CURB SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Federal Government has introduced a nationwide mandatory drug testing policy for secondary school students as part of renewed efforts to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among young people in Nigeria. The policy, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, is designed to promote discipline, improve students’ mental health, and create a safer learning environment across schools nationwide.
Under the new directive, all newly admitted students into secondary schools will undergo compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry, while both new and returning students will also be subjected to periodic and surprise drug screenings during each academic session. The government explained that the initiative is aimed at early detection, intervention, counselling, rehabilitation, and prevention of substance abuse among students.
According to the guidelines, schools are expected to collaborate with approved federal and state health institutions to ensure proper implementation of the screening process. The policy further prohibits students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, and other harmful substances without authorization from school authorities.

The Federal Government also emphasized that the initiative is not primarily punitive, but corrective and rehabilitative. Students who test positive will first undergo counselling and treatment procedures, while repeated violations after rehabilitation may attract temporary suspension to allow for proper recovery and professional intervention. 

Education stakeholders have described the development as a bold step towards addressing the alarming rise in drug abuse among teenagers, which has increasingly affected academic performance, student behavior, and school safety across the country. The policy is expected to strengthen awareness, encourage responsible conduct among students, and support the broader national campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria.