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The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions across the country to temporarily suspend students who repeatedly test positive for drugs, as part of new measures aimed at tackling substance abuse in schools.

The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drugs and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria (Tertiary Institutions), which outlines procedures for mandatory drug testing, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for students.

It was obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday.

Under the guidelines, students who test positive after undergoing three stages of drug screening and intervention could be removed from the school environment pending rehabilitation.

“Students found to be positive in the second testing stage shall be made to undergo a third stage of testing, and if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation,” the policy stated.

It also directed all tertiary institutions to conduct mandatory drug integrity tests for newly admitted students in collaboration with approved health facilities.

According to the document, the objective is to identify students who may require help while promoting safer and healthier learning environments across campuses.

“The aim is to identify students who may need help, promote a safe and healthy school environment,” the guidelines stated.

The government stated that the testing process would commence with an initial assessment designed to determine the health status of students.

“The first test is to ascertain the health status of every student. Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling,” the document added.

Students who fail the first test would undergo counselling and treatment before being subjected to a second screening.

Those who test positive again would be referred to professionals for further medical attention and rehabilitation.

The guidelines also mandated periodic drug testing for returning students at least once every academic session.

In addition to sanctions for students, institutions were directed to establish disciplinary committees headed by student affairs officers to oversee compliance and enforcement.

The document further warned that students who refuse rehabilitation procedures could also be separated from the school environment until they are considered stable.

“Any student who refuses to abide by the treatment/rehabilitation procedures shall be temporarily separated from the school environment until he/she is found to be stable,” the guidelines stated.

The policy extends beyond students to include shop owners and vendors operating within campuses.

The government warned that vendors linked to drug-related activities could lose their operating licences and be reported to law enforcement agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The new measures come amid growing concerns over rising cases of substance abuse among young Nigerians, particularly within tertiary institutions.

Data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and previous national drug use surveys have consistently shown increasing rates of drug consumption among Nigerian youths, with substances such as cannabis, codeine, tramadol, and other psychoactive drugs commonly abused.

Authorities and education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that drug abuse is contributing to cultism, violent behaviour, declining academic performance, mental health challenges and insecurity on campuses.

In recent years, the Federal Government and the NDLEA have intensified advocacy campaigns in schools, warning that substance abuse among students has become a major public health and security concern.

The latest guidelines signal a tougher regulatory approach, combining counselling and rehabilitation with disciplinary measures aimed at discouraging drug use within tertiary institutions.

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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially been sworn in for a seventh consecutive term after securing victory in the country’s disputed January elections, extending his nearly four-decade rule.

Tight security was observed across Kampala ahead of the inauguration ceremony, with armoured vehicles and security operatives deployed around key areas. Authorities said the measures were put in place to maintain order during the event.

Museveni, 81, was declared winner of the presidential election with more than 70 percent of the vote and is expected to remain in office until 2031. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice including ballot stuffing. Electoral officials denied the accusations and maintained that the poll was credible.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, later fled Uganda, claiming he feared for his safety and accusing the government of targeting opposition figures.

Museveni first took power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement and has since remained one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Analysts believe this latest term could potentially be his last, although he has not publicly indicated any plans to step down.

Attention has also turned to Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as a possible successor. However, the military chief has faced criticism over controversial social media posts directed at opposition politicians.

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At least 100 civilians were killed in a Nigerian military airstrike on a crowded market in Tumfa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, Amnesty International said on Tuesday.

The strike hit the remote market on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with many victims reportedly being women and girls.

This is now the second deadly airstrike on a crowded market in northern Nigeria within the past one month, following a similar incident in April that reportedly killed more than 100 people.

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately open an independent and thorough investigation into the incident.