No fewer than eight candidates have been dropped from the list of 1,800 individuals shortlisted for teaching roles in Kwara State after failing drug tests, according to the state’s Teaching Service Commission.
The development was made public on Monday in a statement by TESCOM’s Press Secretary, Sam Onile, who cited the Commission’s Chairman, Bello Abubakar.
Abubakar revealed that the affected candidates tested positive for substances such as benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine.
The screening was carried out by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with backing from the state government.
In the statement, Abubakar stated: “The drug test was conducted by the NDLEA with the full support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“A major implication of this development is that the affected individuals will be replaced by the candidates who are next to them in performance from their respective local government areas.”
He stressed that the move underlines the administration’s firm stance against drug use, particularly in the education sector.
“The idea is to send an unmistakable message about the state government’s zero tolerance for drug abuse. We have a duty of care not to expose little children to drug abuse under any circumstances.”
Abubakar also applauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s insistence on a merit-driven recruitment process, highlighting the governor’s commitment to equitable and high-quality education across the state.
