Sierra Leone Grammar School Introduces Random Drug Testing for Students to Curb Rising Substance Abuse

In a bold and unprecedented move, the administration of the Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) has announced the introduction of random drug testing for pupils in an effort to combat the growing wave of substance abuse among young people.

According to an official statement signed by PTA Secretary Samba Jeigula, the school has purchased a Drug Testing Kit that will be used periodically to test students suspected of drug use or selected at random. The initiative, the statement noted, is a proactive measure aimed at protecting students from the dangers of hard drugs that have become increasingly prevalent in society.

“If a student is found wanting, he will face serious disciplinary actions from the school authority,” the notice warned.

The school administration further urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for monitoring their children’s behavior and to play an active role in discouraging them from experimenting with drugs.

The decision comes amid mounting concern over the rise in drug and substance abuse among Sierra Leone’s youth, particularly in secondary schools and universities. Substances such as kush, tramadol, and marijuana have become alarmingly common among young people, sparking a nationwide debate about prevention, rehabilitation, and accountability.

Educationists and child welfare advocates have long warned that the drug menace is creeping into classrooms, affecting students’ performance, discipline, and mental health. SLGS’s move marks one of the first formal institutional responses from an educational establishment in the country.

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. While many parents have praised the initiative as a necessary step to protect students and uphold discipline, some have expressed concerns about privacy, fairness, and the potential stigmatization of students.

“I support the idea,” said one parent, “because it shows the school is serious about protecting our children. The drug problem is real, and if we don’t act now, we’ll lose an entire generation.”

The Sierra Leone Grammar School’s initiative may set a precedent for other schools across the country as authorities look for innovative ways to address youth drug abuse.

Education experts have called on the Ministry of Education, the Anti-Drug Task Force, and health professionals to support schools through awareness programs, counselling services, and rehabilitation partnerships rather than relying solely on punitive measures.