The House of Representatives has called for mandatory drug tests for secondary school students due to rising youth substance abuse in Nigeria.
The House adopted a resolution on Thursday, February 29, following a motion by Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency’s representative, Olanrewaju Oshun, calling for mandatory drug testing for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The resolution, titled “Introduction of Mandatory Drug Testing for Secondary School Students in Nigeria,” emphasized the pivotal role of youths in socio-economic development. It further underscored their vulnerability to societal vices, emphasizing the need for government intervention to safeguard their well-being and amplify their contributions to national development.
He said, “Substance abuse among young people is fast becoming a global public health concern, gradually leading to complications like personality disorders, drug dependence and death.
“Studies show a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across secondary schools in Nigeria,” adding that “One in every four students aged between 15-19 years abused substances, and codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis.”
The lawmaker advocated Random Student Drug Testing, a drug prevention programme whereby students are tested for recent use of illegal substances and is aimed at deterring drug use and identifying students who need help with staying drug-free.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
Similarly, the House urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.
It further mandated the Committees on Basic Education and Services, and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
