The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria to temporarily suspend students who repeatedly test positive for drug use, under a new nationwide policy aimed at combating substance abuse in schools.
The directive is contained in the newly introduced National Implementation Guidelines Against Drugs and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria (Tertiary Institutions), a policy framework developed to strengthen drug prevention, testing, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation processes within higher institutions. According to the guidelines, all tertiary institutions are expected to conduct mandatory drug integrity tests for newly admitted students in partnership with approved health facilities.
Under the new procedure, students who test positive during the first screening will undergo counselling and treatment. Those who fail subsequent screenings will be referred for further medical intervention and rehabilitation. The policy states that any student who tests positive after three separate stages of testing and intervention may be temporarily removed from the school environment to undergo professional treatment and rehabilitation before being considered fit to return.
The government also directed institutions to conduct periodic drug tests for returning students at least once every academic session. In addition, tertiary institutions are expected to establish disciplinary committees headed by student affairs officers to monitor compliance with the policy and enforce sanctions where necessary. Students who refuse to comply with rehabilitation procedures may also be separated from the school environment until they are certified stable.
The policy further extends to campus vendors and business operators. Authorities warned that any vendor found connected to drug-related activities risks losing operational licences and being reported to law enforcement agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
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The latest measures come amid increasing concerns over the rising rate of substance abuse among young Nigerians, especially within secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Reports cited by education authorities and the NDLEA have linked growing abuse of substances such as cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures and other psychoactive drugs to cultism, poor academic performance, mental health challenges and insecurity on campuses.
Education stakeholders say the new guidelines are designed to prioritise early detection, counselling and rehabilitation while creating safer and healthier learning environments across Nigerian campuses.
