The federal government has rolled out a new initiative mandating drug tests for newly admitted and returning students across secondary schools in the country.
The ‘National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria’ for secondary schools contain the listed measures.
The action comes in response to worries about an increase in drug and substance addiction among Nigerian teenagers.
Under the new directive, schools must subject all newly admitted secondary school students to compulsory drug tests at the point of entry.
The document reads, “All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”
Additionally, it said that returning students must undergo periodic drug testing at least once throughout each academic year.
For students who test positive, the policy also specifies a three-stage testing and intervention procedure.
Furthermore, it said the aim, “is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment”.
The policy says school authorities should give any student found positive for drugs initial intervention and treatment, including counselling where appropriate.
It also says that if the student tests positive again, the school should refer the student to a professional for any treatment and attention required.
Disciplinary Measures For Defaulters
After a third round of testing and intervention, the policy says schools should temporarily suspend any student who tests positive again so the student can receive treatment from a professional and undergo any rehabilitation the professional considers appropriate.
Meanwhile, the policy further mandates every school to establish a disciplinary committee in a bid to enforce compliance. The policy also says schools should temporarily suspend students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures until they are stable.
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