Secondary school students across Nigeria will now face compulsory drug testing under sweeping new Federal Government measures aimed at tackling rising substance abuse in schools.
The new policy introduces mandatory drug integrity tests for all newly admitted students, alongside periodic and surprise screenings during every academic session. Students who repeatedly test positive could also face temporary suspension after undergoing counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation procedures.
Details of the policy are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a newly introduced framework designed to reduce drug abuse among students and improve safety within learning environments.
Under the guidelines, all students seeking admission into secondary schools will undergo drug screening at entry points in collaboration with approved federal and state health facilities. Authorities say the move is intended to identify students who may require intervention while discouraging substance abuse among adolescents.
The policy also bars students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances, or other prohibited drugs without official approval from school authorities. However, students on medically prescribed controlled medication are expected to declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.
A three-stage intervention system has been created for students who test positive. According to the guidelines, students who fail an initial drug test will first undergo counselling and basic treatment supervised by school authorities.
Those who test positive a second time will be referred to healthcare professionals for specialised treatment and closer monitoring. If a student continues to test positive after repeated intervention, the policy allows schools to temporarily suspend the student from the school environment for rehabilitation and professional treatment.
The government says the objective is not merely punitive but also corrective, with the guidelines placing strong emphasis on mental health support and behavioural recovery.
To support the process, schools are now required to provide mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling. Officials say the counselling system is intended to reduce anxiety, explain the testing process, and help students understand and accept results while connecting them to appropriate support services.
Every school is also expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator to oversee implementation and enforce compliance with the new rules.
The policy further directs schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse — including physical attacks and injuries — to law enforcement agencies. Students who refuse prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily removed from the school environment until they are considered stable.
The measures come amid growing concern from education and health stakeholders over increasing drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents, with experts warning about its impact on academic performance, mental health, discipline, and security within schools.
While supporters believe the policy could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are already raising questions about implementation, student rights, counselling capacity, and whether schools and health institutions are adequately equipped to carry out the nationwide programme effectively.
