HOUSE OF REPS ADVOCATE MANDATORY DRUG TESTING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

House of Representatives, yesterday, urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing program for secondary school students in Nigeria.

It also urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing for Secondary School Students in Nigeria moved by Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun at plenary .

Oshun noted that adolescence was 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.

He noted that the youths were 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 lawmakers, however, mandated their committees on Basic Education and Services, and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks  for further legislative action.