The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a statement regarding mandatory drug tests imposed in some secondary schools in the country.
Through a statement shared on the social media platform of Thursday, January 6, NACADA distanced itself from the directive that is being implemented in some institutions including Maranda High School which ordered students to undertake drug tests before reopening.
NACADA clarified that it does not conduct any drug tests and it has not instructed any school to do so. The body added that there is no law in the country that allows any school to coerce students to undertake drug tests.
"The Authority wishes to, from the onset, clarify that it does not conduct any drug testing We also wish to state that there is currently no law in the country making drug testing mandatory for learners," the statement read in part.
Offering advice to education stakeholders, NACADA stated that introducing mandatory drug tests should not be considered as the only option in addressing the recent spike in schools unrests.
Justifying the move, the government agency noted even research proves that mandatory drug tests alone cannot handle the increasing cases of schools unrests.
"We further advise that even when conducted, drug testing should be part of a comprehensive intervention program and thus should not be used as a sole solution to the problem of alcohol and substance abuse in institutions of learning."
"Research has proven that drug testing does not work as a stand-alone intervention but should be within a continuum of services designed to enhance management of drug abuse and public safety."
In the recommendation made by the government agency, it advised that in case mandatory drug it should be done at an accredited facility.
"Similarly, drug testing is recommended as part of incident management and it should be within a licensed and accredited facility. The window of detection varies amongst drugs thus some may not show up during testing. It should, therefore, not be used as a deterrent measure as a negative test does not necessarily mean that the student is not using drugs or alcohol."
NACADA expressed its readiness to support institutions in addressing issues of drug abuse in schools.
"NACADA urges school administrators to implement the National Guidelines for Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention and Management in Basic Education Institutions, 2021. They provide a comprehensive evidence-based approach in responding to issues related to alcohol and drug abuse."
"As part of our role in the implementation of the guidelines, we are ready to support schools to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that will promote a safe and healthy environment free from alcohol and drug use."
The debate has been going on with different stakeholders expressing different opinions regarding the issue of mandatory drug testing in schools.
