The House of Representatives has advocated that there be a mandatory drug test for students, The Herald reports.
This followed the adoption of a motion “On the need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Test for Secondary School Students in Nigeria, by Rep. Moshood Oshun (APC-Lagos) at plenary in Abuja on Thursday
Oshun, who presented the motion, urged the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in developing a mandatory drug test for secondary school students in Nigeria.
He noted that individuals at this age are usually influenced by various factors, including experimental curiosity, peer pressure, poor socio-economic conditions at home and the need for extra energy for daily activities.
He maintained that youths were critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country, adding that their vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government intervention.
The motion, according to him, is in a bid to secure their well-being and enhance their contributions to national development, as well as deter drug use and identify students who need help staying drug-free.
“Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT) is a drug prevention programme whereby students are tested for recent use of illegal substances.
“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 stated.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to increase awareness campaigns on substance abuse among 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.