The House of Representatives wants the government to make drug tests necessary in all high schools. They decided this during a meeting on Thursday after a lawmaker named Oshun Olanrewaju suggested it. Olanrewaju explained that more and more young people are using drugs, which is a big problem worldwide. It can cause health issues like addiction and even death. Studies show that many high school students in Nigeria are using drugs.
The lawmaker didn’t mention which study, but they said that one out of every four students aged 15 to 19 is using drugs. The most common drugs they mentioned were codeine syrup and tramadol, which are used more than cannabis.
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 lawmaker said.
He said a mandatory routine and random drug testing for students “is for preventive, not punitive purposes” and early intervention is crucial to achieving success in tackling the menace of substance abuse.
The motion was passed when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives.
The house asked the federal ministries of education and health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The lawmakers also asked the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to increase awareness on substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.
