Federal Government introduces compulsory drug tests and screening in secondary schools to combat rising substance abuse among students.
The Federal Government has unveiled new measures aimed at tackling drug abuse among secondary school students, including compulsory drug testing for newly admitted students and periodic screening exercises within schools nationwide.
The policy forms part of broader efforts to address the growing concern over substance abuse among young people and improve safety within educational institutions.
According to government officials, students who test positive during screening exercises will not face automatic expulsion but will instead be referred for counselling, rehabilitation, and treatment programmes designed to support recovery and behavioural correction.
Authorities added that repeated offenders could face temporary suspension to allow for proper rehabilitation before reintegration into academic activities.
Education stakeholders say the decision reflects increasing concern about the impact of drug abuse on learning, discipline, mental health, and youth development across the country.
Recent reports by anti-drug agencies and health experts have continued to highlight rising substance abuse among teenagers, with concerns that exposure to drugs is contributing to violence, poor academic performance, and social instability in schools.
The government stated that the measures are intended to create safer and healthier learning environments while discouraging drug-related activities within school communities.
Officials also stressed that the policy would involve collaboration among schools, parents, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies to ensure effective implementation.
Some education experts have welcomed the move, arguing that early detection and intervention could help reduce long-term addiction risks among students.
However, others have raised concerns about privacy, possible stigmatization, and the need to ensure that the policy is implemented with sensitivity and proper safeguards for students.
Child development advocates insist that counselling and rehabilitation must remain central to the programme rather than punitive measures alone.
Observers say the success of the initiative will depend heavily on adequate funding, trained personnel, awareness campaigns, and cooperation from educational institutions nationwide.
The policy also comes amid broader national conversations around mental health, youth welfare, and the increasing exposure of young people to harmful substances through peer pressure and social influences.
Authorities maintain that the long-term objective is not merely punishment but prevention, behavioural support, and the protection of students from the dangers associated with drug abuse.
As implementation begins, many Nigerians are expected to closely monitor how schools adapt to the new guidelines and whether the policy leads to measurable improvements in student welfare and discipline.