The Federal Government has rolled out tougher measures aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, introducing compulsory drug tests for students and temporary suspension for repeated offenders after treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
Under the new directive, every newly admitted secondary school student will undergo mandatory drug integrity screening before gaining entry into school.
The policy is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, obtained by our correspondent.
According to the document, the guidelines are part of efforts to curb the rising rate of substance abuse among students and ensure safer learning environments in schools nationwide.
The document explained that the initiative seeks 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 stated 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 exercise must be conducted “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”
Beyond admission screening, schools are also expected to organise regular and unannounced drug tests for both fresh and returning students at least once every academic session.
According to the guideline, “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The policy also bans students from possessing or using narcotics, controlled substances, or any form of drug abuse substances without official approval from school authorities.
It stated 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, students placed on controlled medication for health reasons are expected to disclose such drugs through their parents or guardians during admission.
The document outlined a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive to drugs, noting that “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”
Students who fail the first drug test will receive counselling and initial treatment as determined by the school management.
The guideline added 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 again after the first intervention will be referred to specialists for additional treatment and professional care.
It stated 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 screening and intervention process, the government said temporary suspension from school may be enforced to allow for rehabilitation and recovery.
According to the policy, “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 guideline also makes counselling compulsory before and after every drug test.