The Federal Government has introduced stringent new measures to combat drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, including mandatory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation procedures.

Under the new policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will be subjected to compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry.

The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, details of which were obtained by our correspondent.

The guideline outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the growing prevalence of substance abuse among students and creating safer learning environments across schools nationwide.

According to the document, the policy is designed to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.”

The guideline states that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” adding that the process must be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”

In addition to entry-level screening, schools are expected to conduct periodic and impromptu drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

The document further provides that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

It prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities, stating that “all students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority.”

However, it notes that students requiring controlled medication for medical conditions must declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy establishes a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive.

According to the guideline, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”

Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and initial treatment as determined by school authorities.

The document explains that “persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority.”

Those who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment and specialised attention.

The guideline further states that “if found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required.”

For students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides that they may be temporarily suspended from the school environment.

It states that “if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation that might be found appropriate by the professional.”

The policy also introduces mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.

According to the document, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”

It adds that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”

To enforce compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator with clearly defined responsibilities.

The document further directs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”

It also warns that students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures will be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”

The development comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with education and health stakeholders warning about its impact on academic performance, discipline, mental health and security within schools.

While supporters argue that the measures could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are expected to raise concerns over implementation capacity, student welfare protections and the readiness of schools and health facilities to effectively implement the policy nationwide.

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The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will commence computer-based examinations this year as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s assessment system.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.

Alausa said the transition to technology-driven examinations marked a major step towards strengthening the credibility of public examinations and improving Nigeria’s global education standards.

According to Alausa, the new examination model will enable authorities to “monitor candidates in real time, detect suspicious activities and reduce examination fraud.”

“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading, and that is the Computer-Based Examination, which is to commence this year,” the minister said.

He described NECO as a key institution in safeguarding integrity and accountability in the education sector, noting that the council had evolved into a reliable examination body over the past 25 years.

Alausa stated that NECO’s growth reflected Nigeria’s determination to establish a credible national examination system capable of providing equal opportunities for students nationwide.

He added that the examination body had “improved examination security, enhanced scoring reliability and expanded access to examinations in underserved communities while embracing technological innovations that restored public confidence in its certificates.”

The minister also stated that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide the necessary oversight to ensure NECO’s examinations aligned with national educational goals and curriculum standards.

He stressed the need for educational assessments to move beyond rote learning and focus on modern skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving.

“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work in unison, fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” he added.

In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council had expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and was now conducting examinations in eight countries.

Wushishi described the development as evidence of increasing international acceptance of NECO certificates.

“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.

He said the council had overcome early challenges, including public scepticism, infrastructure limitations and credibility concerns, to emerge as a globally recognised examination institution.

Wushishi noted that NECO had introduced several reforms, including digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services and data analytics platforms.

The registrar also revealed that the council had embarked on infrastructure expansion projects, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the creation of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.

According to him, NECO recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics across the country.

Wushishi further stated that the council planned to intensify measures against examination malpractice and strengthen digital services in line with its future development agenda.

He commended former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.

Participants at the event described NECO’s growth over the last 25 years as a major achievement and expressed optimism that the introduction of computer-based examinations would improve transparency and efficiency in the country’s educational assessment system.

The introduction of computer-based examinations marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s public assessment system, which has faced persistent concerns over examination malpractice, including question leaks, impersonation and collusion at examination centres.

In recent years, examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have adopted computer-based testing, with authorities citing improved security, faster result processing and reduced opportunities for fraud.

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The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has charged new veterinary doctors of the University to uphold the ethics and values of their profession while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health.

Prof. Akanwa gave the charge while addressing graduands of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) during the 12th Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony organised by the University in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) on Wednesday.

The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi, said the induction confers legal rights on the graduands to practice Veterinary Medicine and places on them the responsibility of safeguarding animal health, food systems and public health.

“Today is not merely ceremonial; it marks the transition of our graduands into professionals entrusted with the health of animals, the safety of our food systems and the protection of public health,” she said.

She stressed that the ceremony reflects the University’s mandate to produce professionals with competence, character and conscience, describing the new veterinarians as critical to agricultural growth and national food security.

The VC also commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for granting full accreditation to the University’s Veterinary programme and acknowledged the partnerships with industry operators that support practical training of MOUAU Vet. students.

On its part, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, led by its President, Prof. Mathew Adamu and Ag. Registrar, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, while issuing practising licenses to the graduands, congratulated the University for regularly churning out quality DVM Graduands, who are found worthy in learning and character.

A total of 48 DVM Graduands were inducted into the profession, with Dr Chimezie Amarachi Blessing emerging as the overall best graduating student, and Dr Aniorji Sandra Chinonso won the Farm Alert Award.

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