FG unveils first national policy to tackle drug abuse across schools nationwide

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has unveiled Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Drug and Substance Abuse in Schools on Monday, to curb the rising drug addiction rates among students in secondary and tertiary institutions.
‎
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the ministry has adopted an 80 per cent implementation and 20 per cent policy development model to ensure measurable results across all states, in line with international standards.
‎
The new policy and its implementation guidelines are designed to strengthen existing frameworks, fill critical gaps, and introduce measures to foster a drug-free learning environment. The policy incorporates counselling and behavioural support mechanisms for students struggling with addiction.
‎
The ministry has already begun revising the secondary school curriculum to include compulsory drug-prevention lessons, with plans to extend it to primary schools.
‎
A Substance Use Prevention Unit has been launched to coordinate nationwide implementation efforts. The Minister warned that the government would not hesitate to punish repeat offenders who violate the policy.
‎
The Education Ministry is partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other bodies to roll out awareness campaigns and enforcement programs.
‎