At least eight candidates, out of the 1,800 shortlisted for teaching positions in Kwara State, have been disqualified after they tested positive for various banned substances. The candidates, who were undergoing screening under the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), were found to have traces of drugs such as benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine in their systems.
The disqualification was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, who quoted the Chairman of the Commission, Bello Abubakar. The drug tests, which were conducted with support from the Kwara State Government, were administered by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Abubakar stated that the disqualified candidates would be replaced by the next best-performing applicants from their respective local government areas, ensuring that the recruitment process remains fair and merit-based.
“The drug test was conducted by the NDLEA with the full backing of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. A major consequence of this development is that the disqualified candidates will be substituted by those who performed next in line from their respective local government areas,” the statement read.
Abubakar further emphasized that the state government’s stance on drug abuse is clear, noting that the disqualifications were meant to send a strong message about Kwara State’s zero tolerance for drugs. He stressed the importance of safeguarding children from exposure to drug-related risks by ensuring that only individuals with a clean bill of health are entrusted with teaching roles.
In addition, the TESCOM chairman praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to a merit-based recruitment process. Abubakar lauded the governor for demonstrating fairness and prioritizing quality education, further underscoring the administration’s dedication to providing the best candidates to teach Kwara’s children