Nigeria launches education reforms to curb out‑of‑school children and student drug abuse

The Nigerian federal government has unveiled two major education initiatives aimed at tackling long‑standing challenges in the sector. The first introduces Alternative Learning Pathways (ALPs), a flexible programme that will provide basic education to out‑of‑school children, youth and adults across the country. According to director John Edeh of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non‑Formal Education, ALPs will compress the learning period so that individuals who missed formal schooling can obtain an equivalent qualification in three to four years, rather than a decade, and will facilitate certification and transition to higher education or vocational training. UNICEF reports that Nigeria has about 10.2 million primary‑level and 8.1 million junior secondary‑level out‑of‑school learners, the highest globally.

A second policy mandates compulsory drug testing for newly admitted secondary‑school students, with provisions for temporary suspension of repeat offenders after treatment. The measure is part of the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools and has been endorsed by health and education experts, as well as former education minister Tunde Adeniran. Studies estimate that drug use affects 14.4 % of the population overall and up to 40 % of students, prompting calls for a coordinated response involving parents, civil society and faith‑based groups.