In a decisive move to curb the rising tide of drug abuse among young Nigerians, the Federal Government has unveiled a new policy mandating compulsory drug and substance abuse tests for all students seeking admission into senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the country. The directive, which will also apply periodically during the course of their studies, is part of an intensified national strategy to tackle substance addiction and safeguard the future of Nigerian youth.
Authorities say the policy will serve as both a preventive and corrective measure aimed at identifying students struggling with substance use early and offering them access to rehabilitation and support. The government’s approach is rooted in the increasing evidence that drug-related issues are no longer isolated to criminal networks but have found their way into classrooms, lecture halls, and youth communities.
Officials from the Federal Ministries of Education and Health, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), are expected to oversee the implementation of this policy nationwide. Educational institutions, both public and private, have been instructed to integrate the drug screening requirement as part of their admission and registration procedures. It will also become a routine exercise throughout a student’s academic journey.
The policy comes on the heels of recent studies showing alarming rates of drug experimentation and dependency among students, especially in urban centres and densely populated campuses. Security experts and education stakeholders have long raised concerns about the easy access to illicit substances among young people, prompting calls for more proactive intervention from the authorities.
According to insiders, the tests will be conducted in a medically supervised environment, with strict confidentiality guaranteed for students. Those who test positive will not be criminalized, but rather referred to appropriate rehabilitation centres where necessary. The goal, according to federal officials, is to promote a healthy academic environment and reduce the socio-psychological impact of drug use on learning and personal development.
The Federal Government insists that the policy is not designed to stigmatize, but to protect students, ensure a drug-free learning space, and foster discipline across the education sector. Institutions that fail to comply may face sanctions, while periodic assessments will be conducted to track the policy’s effectiveness and identify areas needing adjustment.
As this directive takes effect, the government has also called on parents, school administrators, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to support the implementation by encouraging openness, awareness, and preventive education about the dangers of drug abuse.
