The Federal Government has introduced compulsory drug testing for secondary school students as part of a nationwide effort to curb rising substance abuse among young Nigerians.
The new directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria, a policy framework developed for secondary schools across the country. According to the guideline, all newly admitted students will now undergo mandatory drug tests during admission procedures.
The policy, championed by the Federal Ministry of Education, also provides for periodic and surprise drug tests for both new and returning students at least once during every academic session. The tests are expected to be conducted in collaboration with approved federal or state health facilities.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the policy is aimed at creating safer learning environments and addressing the growing threat of substance abuse among school-age children. The government believes drug abuse has continued to negatively affect students’ mental health, discipline and academic performance.
Under the guidelines, students are prohibited from possessing or using narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities. However, students who require controlled medications for medical reasons must declare them through parents or guardians during admission.
The policy also outlines intervention procedures for students who test positive. Rather than immediate expulsion, the framework proposes counselling, treatment and rehabilitation measures, although repeated violations could attract disciplinary sanctions, including temporary suspension.
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The initiative follows earlier collaborations between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency aimed at strengthening anti-drug campaigns in schools and tertiary institutions. In 2025, both agencies announced plans to introduce drug education into school curricula and compulsory integrity tests for students in higher institutions.
The government says the broader strategy will combine drug education, awareness campaigns, counselling and preventive testing to reduce the spread of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
