FG Orders Compulsory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students

The Federal Government has introduced mandatory drug testing for all newly admitted and returning students in secondary schools across Nigeria, in a sweeping policy aimed at curbing rising substance abuse among adolescents.

The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, which sets out a framework for prevention, detection, and rehabilitation of students involved in drug use.

According to the policy, the initiative is designed to “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.”

Under the new rules, every incoming student must undergo drug screening at the point of admission, while schools are also required to carry out periodic tests for continuing students at least once every academic session.

“All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” the document stated.

It further prohibits possession or use of narcotic or controlled substances within school environments unless officially approved by school authorities.

“All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” it added.

The policy also introduces a structured intervention system for students who test positive for drug use. The approach is designed not only to punish but to provide treatment and rehabilitation where necessary.

“Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority,” it stated.

If a student tests positive again after initial intervention, the policy mandates referral to professional care for more intensive treatment.

“Such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to receive appropriate treatment and attention that might be required,” the guideline reads.

In cases of repeated positive results after multiple interventions, the policy allows for temporary suspension from the school environment for rehabilitation under professional supervision.

“If found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to receive treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation,” it stated.

The framework also introduces compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling to support students emotionally and psychologically through the screening process.

Pre-test counselling is intended to prepare students, reduce anxiety, and build cooperation, while post-test counselling focuses on helping them understand their results and access appropriate support.

“All students must be guided before and after testing to ensure proper understanding and acceptance of outcomes,” the policy noted.

To ensure enforcement, schools are required to establish disciplinary committees, while cases involving violence linked to substance abuse are to be escalated to law enforcement agencies.

Authorities also warned that students who refuse to comply with treatment or rehabilitation directives may face temporary suspension until certified fit to return.

The move comes amid growing concern over increasing drug and substance abuse among secondary school students, with education stakeholders calling for stronger preventive and corrective measures in learning environments.