The Federal Government unveils tougher anti-drug measures as campuses across Nigeria prepare for stricter screening and disciplinary actions.
The Federal Government has directed universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria to suspend students repeatedly found guilty of drug abuse, sparking nationwide debate among education stakeholders and parents.
The directive is part of the newly introduced National Implementation Guidelines Against Drugs and Substance Use in Schools for tertiary institutions, a policy designed to strengthen anti-drug enforcement on campuses.
Under the new framework, students who repeatedly test positive for illicit substances after undergoing counselling, rehabilitation and multiple screening stages may be temporarily removed from the academic environment pending recovery and professional treatment.
Authorities say the move is part of broader efforts to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse among young Nigerians, especially within higher institutions where concerns over cultism, mental health issues and drug-related violence have intensified in recent years.
The development has already generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians praised the government for taking decisive action against drug abuse, others questioned whether institutions possess the infrastructure, rehabilitation centres and transparency required to implement such policies fairly.
Education experts have also warned that schools must balance discipline with mental health support to avoid stigmatizing affected students. Several stakeholders insist that prevention, counselling and rehabilitation should remain central to the policy rather than punishment alone.
As implementation begins nationwide, many tertiary institutions are now expected to introduce new campus drug-testing procedures and awareness campaigns in line with the federal guidelines.