The Federal Government has introduced compulsory substance screening for students in secondary schools nationwide as part of new measures aimed at addressing rising cases of substance misuse among young people.
Under the new policy, all students seeking admission into secondary schools will undergo mandatory screening at the point of entry, while schools will also conduct routine and random checks during every academic session.
The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria.
According to the guideline, the policy is designed to reduce the impact of substance misuse on students’ mental health, behaviour and academic performance.
The document stated that the initiative would “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.”
It further explained that “all new students shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”
The guideline noted that the screening process would be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”
In addition to admission screening, schools are expected to conduct routine and random substance checks during every academic session.
According to the policy, “all students shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”
The government also prohibited students from possessing or using narcotic substances without authorization from school authorities.
The document stated that “all students are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority.”
The policy also provides support measures for affected students, including treatment and rehabilitation programmes, while repeated violations after intervention could attract temporary suspension from school.