FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MANDATES DRUG TESTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

The Federal Government has introduced stringent new measures to curb drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, including compulsory drug testing for students and interim suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, which stipulates that all newly admitted secondary school students will undergo mandatory drug integrity tests upon admission.

The guideline provides a broad framework aimed at addressing the rising incidence of substance abuse among students and promoting safer learning environments in schools across the country.

According to the document, the policy is intended to create a favourable atmosphere for teaching and learning in schools by minimizing the adverse impact of substance abuse on the mental health and academic performance of students and learners.

In addition to admission screening, schools are expected to conduct periodic and unannounced drug tests for both newly admitted and returning students at least once every academic session.