The Federal Government has introduced stringent new measures to combat drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, including mandatory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation procedures.

Under the new policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will be subjected to compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry.

The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, details of which were obtained by our correspondent.

The guideline outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the growing prevalence of substance abuse among students and creating safer learning environments across schools nationwide.

According to the document, the policy is designed 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.”

The guideline states 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,” adding that the process must be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”

In addition to entry-level screening, schools are expected to conduct periodic and impromptu drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

The document further provides that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

It prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities, stating that “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.”

However, it notes that students requiring controlled medication for medical conditions must declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy establishes a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive.

According to the guideline, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”

Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and initial treatment as determined by school authorities.

The document explains that “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.”

Those who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment and specialised attention.

The guideline further states that “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.”

For students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides that they may be temporarily suspended from the school environment.

It states that “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 policy also introduces mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.

According to the document, “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 adds 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 enforce compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator with clearly defined responsibilities.

The document further directs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”

It also warns that students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures will be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”

The development comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with education and health stakeholders warning about its impact on academic performance, discipline, mental health and security within schools.

While supporters argue that the measures could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are expected to raise concerns over implementation capacity, student welfare protections and the readiness of schools and health facilities to effectively implement the policy nationwide. (The PUNCH)

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