New anti-drug policy targets Nigerian schools as government moves to curb substance abuse among students
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a new policy mandating compulsory drug tests for secondary school students across the country as part of efforts to combat rising cases of substance abuse among young people.
According to reports, the directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a framework designed to strengthen anti-drug campaigns within the nation’s educational system.
The policy outlines measures including compulsory and random drug testing for students, counselling programmes, rehabilitation support, and stricter disciplinary actions for repeat offenders. Students found repeatedly engaging in drug abuse may face suspension and other sanctions under the new guidelines.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), aimed at reducing drug-related activities in schools and promoting healthier learning environments for students nationwide.
Authorities said the growing rate of substance abuse among youths has become a major national concern, with officials warning that drug addiction contributes to criminal activities, insecurity, and declining academic performance among students.
Under the new framework, schools are also expected to intensify drug awareness campaigns, establish prevention clubs, involve parents in sensitisation programmes, and strengthen guidance and counselling units to support affected students.
The development has already sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some commending the government’s tough stance on drug abuse, while others have raised concerns about students’ rights, privacy, and the implementation process in schools across the country.
Education stakeholders are expected to begin gradual implementation of the policy in both public and private secondary schools nationwide.
