The Federal Government has unveiled new measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across the country, including compulsory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for repeat offenders undergoing rehabilitation.
The policy is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.
Under the new directive, all newly admitted students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests as part of the admission process.
According to the guideline, the policy seeks to curb the growing rate of substance abuse among students and create a safer learning environment in schools nationwide.
The document stated that the objective is to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.”
It further directed that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”
The policy noted that the screening process would be carried out in partnership with approved federal and state health facilities.
Beyond admission screening, schools are also expected to conduct periodic and surprise drug tests for both returning and newly admitted students at least once every academic session.
The guideline stated that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
Students were also prohibited from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other prohibited drugs without approval from school authorities.
“All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the document stated.
However, the policy made provision for students on medically prescribed controlled medication, directing parents or guardians to declare such medications during admission.
The guideline introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive to drugs.
According to the document, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”
Students who test positive for the first time will undergo counselling and initial treatment supervised by school authorities.
“Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority,” the guideline added.
Students who fail a second test will be referred to specialists for further treatment and professional care.
“If found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required,” it stated.
The policy further provides that students who continue to test positive after repeated interventions may be temporarily removed from the school environment for rehabilitation.
“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 document stated.
The guideline also introduced mandatory counselling sessions before and after drug tests.
According to the policy, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”
It added that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”
To ensure enforcement, schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees headed by school administrators.
The guideline also directed that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including physical assaults and fights, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”
It warned that students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures would be separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”