At least eight of the 1,800 shortlisted applicants for the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) jobs have tested positive to outlawed drugs.
They have therefore automatically lost their slots to the next best candidates in the highly competitive exercise.
TESCOM chairman, Bello Abubakar disclosed that the eight shortlisted candidates tested positive to hard drugs such as benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine — all of which are considered unsafe for human health.
The drug test was conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the support of the state 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,” Abubakar said.
He added that, “The idea is to send an unmistaken 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 circumstance.”
The chairman maintained that Governor AbdulRazaq has etched his name in gold for again, insisting that recruitment into the teaching profession should be strictly meritorious and devoid of any practices that may jeopardise quality learning in the state schools.
“He has also proven that he is a man who is sold to giving every Kwaran a fair chance,” the TESCOM boss added.
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