Reps want mandatory drug testing for secondary school students

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Thursday asked the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The House equally urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency 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.
These 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 youth are critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country and their vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government intervention to secure their wellbeing 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.