Following Increase in substance abuse in the nation, the House of Representatives
has urged the Federal Ministries
of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme
for secondary school students in
Nigeria.
The House also urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA)
and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to
increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary
school students nationwide.
The Committees on Basic Education and Services, and Healthcare Services were mandated to
ensure compliance and report
back within four week for further
legislative action.
The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion
titled, ‘Need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing for Secondary
School Students in Nigeria’, sponsored by Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun during plenary on
Thursday.
The House noted that adolescence is a critical period for drug
abuse, influenced by factors such
as experimental curiosity, peer
pressure, poor socio-economic
conditions at home and the need
for extra energy for daily activities.
It also noted that the youths
are critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country and their
vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government
intervention to secure their well
being and enhance their contributions to national development.
The House worried that substance abuse among young people
is fast becoming a global public
health concern, gradually leading to
complications like personality disorders, drug dependence and death.
It also worried that according
to studies which showed a notable
prevalence of drug and substance
abuse across secondary schools
in Nigeria, one in every four
students aged between 15 and
19 years abused substances, and
codeine containing syrup and
tramadol topped the list of drugs,
ranking higher than cannabis.
The House said it was aware
that Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT) is 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.
The House said it was cognizant that a mandatory routine
and random drug testing for
students is for preventive, not
punitive purposes, and early intervention is crucial for achieving
success in tackling the menace of
substance abuse.
