The Federal Government has rolled out a new anti-drug policy for secondary schools in Nigeria, making drug tests compulsory for new students and allowing temporary suspension for repeat offenders after treatment and rehabilitation.
New Rules for Students
Under the new National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools, every newly admitted student must take a drug integrity test before entry into secondary school.
Furthermore, schools must also carry out random and routine drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.
The policy bans students from using or keeping narcotics, controlled drugs, or other harmful substances without approval from school authorities. However, parents or guardians must declare any medically approved controlled drugs during admission.
Three-Step Punishment Process
The government introduced a three-stage response for students who test positive.
First, affected students will receive counselling and basic treatment through the school.
Meanwhile, students who fail a second test will be sent to health professionals for specialised care.
Consequently, any student who tests positive again after the third stage may face temporary suspension to complete rehabilitation outside the school environment.
Counselling and Discipline Measures
The policy also makes pre-test and post-test counselling compulsory. Officials say this will reduce fear, explain results, and connect students to proper help.
In response, every school must set up a disciplinary committee led by the school administrator to enforce the rules.
Furthermore, schools must report violent acts linked to substance abuse, such as fighting or causing injuries, to law enforcement agencies.
Why FG Introduced the Policy
The move follows rising concern over drug abuse among teenagers in Nigeria. Experts have repeatedly warned that substance abuse affects learning, discipline, mental health, and school safety.
However, critics may question whether schools, health centres, and state agencies have enough staff and resources to enforce the policy nationwide.
