The House of Representatives, on Thursday, called for compulsory drug tests for secondary school students in the country given the incessant cases of substance abuse by young Nigerians.
But in a swift response, the Nigeria Union of Teachers opposed the idea.
The NUT General-Secretary, Dr Mike Ike-Ene, in an interview with The PUNCH, said, “I don’t see drug test as a solution to control drugs, they should talk about children who are out of school. Even if you tested them, bringing them back to school will give us a better advantage.”
He lamented that the call for drug tests by the House of Representatives might be an opportunity for someone to siphon public funds.
“They should look for the root cause of the drug use, most times, some people want to use the drug test on learners to siphon money.”
The resolution of the House on drug test for students was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the “Need to introduce mandatory drug testing for secondary school students in Nigeria,” moved by the lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Olanrewaju Oshun.
Oshun, while leading the debate, stated that youths were critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country, adding that their vulnerability to societal vices necessitated strategic government intervention to secure their well-being and enhance their contributions to national development.
He expressed worry 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.”
According to him, “studies show a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across secondary schools in Nigeria,” adding that “one in every four students aged between 15-19 years abused substances, and codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis.”
The lawmaker advocated Random Student Drug Testing, 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.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
Similarly, the House urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.
It further mandated the Committees on Basic Education and Services, and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
