The Federal Government has introduced tough new measures to tackle drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria. Under the new policy, all newly admitted students will be subjected to mandatory drug integrity tests at the point of entry, and students who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation could face temporary suspension.
The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools. 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,” and that the process must be carried out in collaboration with approved federal and state health facilities.
Beyond entry-level screening, schools are also expected to conduct periodic and unannounced drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session. The document states that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The policy also prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities. However, students who require controlled medication for genuine medical conditions are allowed, provided their parents or guardians declare such medications during the admission process.
A Three-Stage Intervention Process
For students who test positive, the guideline establishes a clear three-stage intervention process. 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.”
Students who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for further specialised treatment and attention. The guideline 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 those who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides for temporary suspension 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.”
Students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures will also be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”
The policy further introduces mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling for all 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.” Post-test counselling, the document adds, “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 also directs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or inflicting injuries, shall be reported to law enforcement agents.
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, questions are expected to be raised over implementation capacity, student welfare protections, and the readiness of schools and health facilities to effectively carry out the policy nationwide.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
