FG Mandates Drug Tests For All Secondary School Students Nationwide

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has rolled out a new nationwide policy targeting the reduction of drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, introducing mandatory drug testing for students as part of efforts to improve safety and academic performance in learning environments.

The new directive stipulates that all newly admitted secondary school students will undergo drug screening at the point of entry, with periodic testing also to be conducted on both new and returning students throughout the academic session. The policy is being driven under the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools, supervised by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

Authorities explained that the initiative is designed to create a safer school environment, reduce the impact of substance abuse on students’ mental health, and strengthen academic outcomes. Students are prohibited from possessing or using controlled substances unless officially authorised by school authorities, while any prescribed medication must be duly declared by parents or guardians during admission.

Under the framework, students who test positive for drug use will first receive counselling and initial treatment within the school system. In cases of repeated positive results, they will be referred to medical professionals for further intervention, while persistent cases may lead to temporary removal from the school environment for rehabilitation.

The guidelines also mandate counselling sessions before and after testing to help students understand the process, manage anxiety, and cope with outcomes. Schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees to handle related cases, while incidents involving violence linked to substance abuse are to be escalated to law enforcement agencies. Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation may also face temporary suspension until they are deemed fit to return to school.