The Federal Government has rolled out fresh measures aimed at tackling drug abuse in secondary schools across the country. The new policy makes drug testing compulsory for students in both public and private secondary schools nationwide.

Under the new guidelines, all newly admitted students will now undergo mandatory drug integrity tests before gaining full entry into schools.

Authorities said the move is part of wider efforts to reduce the growing rate of substance abuse among teenagers and create safer learning environments.

The policy is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria. It outlines procedures schools are expected to follow in screening, counselling and rehabilitating students linked to drug abuse.

According to the guideline, the government wants schools to become safer spaces for learning by reducing the effect of substance abuse on students’ academic performance, behaviour and mental health.

The document stated that all students admitted into secondary schools would be subjected to drug screening in collaboration with approved government health facilities and recognised procedures.

Beyond admission screening, schools have also been directed to carry out routine and surprise drug tests on students at least once every academic session. The guideline noted that the tests would apply to both returning and newly admitted students.

The government further prohibited students from possessing or using narcotic drugs, controlled substances and other banned items within school premises without approval from school authorities.

However, the policy made exceptions for students receiving medical treatment involving controlled medication. Parents and guardians are expected to declare such medications during admission processes.

The new framework introduced a three-step intervention system for students who test positive.

Students caught in the first test would undergo counselling and basic treatment supervised by school authorities. Officials said the aim is not only punishment, but also rehabilitation and early intervention.

Those who test positive a second time would be referred to medical professionals for specialised treatment and closer monitoring.

The guideline added that students who continue testing positive after repeated interventions could face temporary suspension from school while undergoing rehabilitation and treatment from professionals.

Authorities explained that the suspension would allow affected students to receive proper care outside the school environment before returning when considered stable.

The policy also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students.

According to the document, pre-test counselling is designed to prepare students mentally before screening, reduce fear and explain the purpose of the exercise.

Post-test counselling, on the other hand, would help students understand their results and connect them with the right support systems regardless of the outcome.

To strengthen enforcement, every secondary school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator. The committee would oversee implementation and handle drug-related cases within schools.

The guideline also directed schools to report violent incidents linked to drug abuse to law enforcement agencies. Cases involving fighting, injuries and other dangerous conduct connected to substance abuse would no longer be treated internally alone.

Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily removed from the school environment until authorities confirm they are stable enough to return.

The development comes amid increasing concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young Nigerians. Education stakeholders and health experts have repeatedly warned that the problem is affecting students’ behaviour, academic performance and mental health.

While many parents and school administrators are expected to welcome the policy, concerns are already emerging over implementation, funding and the availability of qualified health professionals to support schools across the country.