Shortlisted Teaching Applicants Fail Drug Test, Lose Slots In Kwara

By Ayodele Oni

Eight out of the 1,800 applicants shortlisted for teaching job by the Kwara state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) have tested positive to outlawed drugs.

A statement on Monday by  Sam Onile, Press Secretary TESCOM, explained that they have automatically lost their slots to the next best candidate in the highly competitive exercise.

TESCOM Chairman Bello Taoheed Abubakar said in the statement that the eight shortlisted candidates tested for 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 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.

“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 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.”