The House of Representatives has asked the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop a mandatory drug test for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The lawmakers argued that mandatory routine and random drug testing for students was for preventive, not punitive purposes and early intervention.
This followed the adoption of a motion “On need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Test for Secondary School Students in Nigeria, by Rep. Moshood Oshun(APC-Lagos) at plenary on Thursday.
Oshun while presenting the motion said the adolescent age remained a critical period in human development, adding that individuals at this age were usually influenced by factors such as experimental curiosity, peer pressure, poor socio-economic conditions at home and the need for extra energy for daily activities.
He said that youth were critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country, adding that their vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government intervention.
This he said was to secure their wellbeing and enhance their contributions to national development.
He expressed concern over substance abuse by young people, which he said was fast becoming a global public health concern.
“According to studies there is a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across secondary schools in Nigeria, one in every four students aged between 15-19 years abused substances,” he said.
This, he said, included codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis.
“Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT) is a drug prevention programme whereby students are tested for recent use of illegal substances.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to increase awareness campaign on substance abuse to secondary school students nationwide.
The House also mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Services and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
