8 shortlisted applicants lose govt job after failing drug test in Kwara

At least eight candidates among the 1,800 shortlisted for teaching jobs under the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) have been disqualified after testing positive for banned substances.

According to a statement released on Monday by TESCOM Chairman, Bello Taoheed Abubakar, the affected candidates were found with traces of benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine in their system. These substances, he said, pose serious health and safety concerns, especially in the education sector.

The drug screening exercise, conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was fully supported by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reflecting the administration’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity in the civil service.

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“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,” the statement said.

“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.

“Again, Governor AbdulRahman 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 jeopardize quality learning in our schools. He has also proven that he is a man who is sold to giving every Kwaran a fair chance.”