Prevalence of Substance Abuse and Forensic Implications Among Secondary School Students in Kaduna State

Substance abuse among secondary school adolescents presents both a public health crisis and a forensic challenge, as drug-related offences increasingly draw young people into the criminal justice system. This study investigates the prevalence of substance abuse and its forensic implications among secondary school students in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to 250 students across ten public secondary schools selected through stratified random sampling. Data were also collected through interviews with eight representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kaduna. The study examines the types of substances most commonly abused, the methods of detection applicable in school environments, and the legal frameworks governing juvenile drug offences in Nigeria. Findings indicate that tramadol, cannabis, and codeine-based cough syrups are the most prevalent substances, with seventy-one percent of surveyed students reporting awareness of substance use among peers. The study reveals significant gaps in school-based drug screening programmes and inconsistencies in referral pathways for students identified as users. Forensic implications include compromised academic records and potential juvenile justice proceedings. Recommendations focus on the integration of drug awareness education into school curricula and the establishment of rapid testing protocols in collaboration with NDLEA. Keywords: substance abuse, secondary school, Kaduna State, forensic implications, NDLEA.