Quote from Aisha_S on May 11, 2026, 7:51 am

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new national policy mandating compulsory drug integrity tests for all students entering secondary schools. Under the new “National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools,” newly admitted students must undergo screening at the point of entry. This measure is intended to combat the rising prevalence of substance abuse among Nigerian adolescents and to create a safer learning environment.

The policy also requires schools to conduct periodic and impromptu drug tests at least once every academic session for both new and returning students. These tests are to be carried out in collaboration with approved federal and state health facilities. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, highlighted that the initiative aims to protect the mental health and academic performance of learners by identifying those in need of help early.

According to the guidelines, students who test positive will not face immediate expulsion but will instead undergo a three-stage intervention process. The first positive result will lead to mandatory counseling and initial treatment. A second positive test will result in a referral to a professional for specialized medical attention. Only after a third positive result, following treatment and rehabilitation attempts, can a student be temporarily suspended from the school environment.

While the government emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, the policy introduces strict disciplinary measures for students who refuse to comply with treatment or who are involved in violent incidents linked to drugs. Educational stakeholders have largely supported the move as a necessary step to address a growing public health crisis, though some critics have raised concerns about the implementation capacity and the privacy of the students involved.

 https://punchng.com/fg-mandates-drug-tests-for-secondary-school-students/