Drug Test Now Mandatory for Secondary School Admission — FG

The Federal Government has unveiled sweeping measures to combat drug and substance abuse in secondary schools across Nigeria, introducing compulsory drug testing for newly admitted students and sanctions for repeat offenders.

The directive, contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, mandates all secondary schools to subject fresh students to drug screening at the point of admission.

The policy is aimed at curbing the growing menace of substance abuse among students and creating a safer learning environment across the country.

According to the guideline, the initiative seeks to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning by reducing the negative effects of substance abuse on the mental health and academic performance of students.”

Under the new framework, schools are required to conduct the tests in collaboration with approved federal or state health facilities, while periodic and random drug tests will also be carried out at least once every academic session.

The guideline further bars students from possessing or using narcotic substances and controlled drugs without authorization from school authorities.

Students who test positive may be referred for treatment and rehabilitation, while those who repeatedly fail drug tests after intervention risk temporary suspension from school activities.