The federal government has introduced compulsory drug testing and counselling for secondary school students as part of efforts to curb substance abuse in schools.
The federal government has directed secondary schools nationwide to conduct compulsory drug tests for newly admitted and returning students under new anti-drug guidelines.
The policy, titled National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, aims to reduce substance abuse and improve students’ mental health and academic performance.
According to the guideline, “All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests” at entry, while returning students will undergo screening at least once each academic session. Students found positive will pass through counselling, treatment and rehabilitation stages before possible suspension after repeated offences.
The policy also bans possession or use of narcotic and controlled substances without school approval.
Authorities said schools must establish disciplinary committees and report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies. Mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling will also accompany all screenings.
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