By At least eight of the 1,800 shortlisted applicants for teaching jobs under the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) have been disqualified after testing positive for banned substances.
TESCOM chairman, Bello Abubakar, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the affected individuals tested positive for drugs including benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine. The screening was conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the backing of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“They have therefore automatically lost their slots to the next best-performing candidates from their local government areas,” Abubakar stated, emphasizing that the exercise was highly competitive.
He said the action sends “an unmistaken message about the state government’s zero tolerance for drug abuse,” noting that such measures are necessary to protect schoolchildren from harmful influences.
Abubakar praised Governor AbdulRazaq for ensuring that the recruitment process remains strictly merit-based, adding, “He has also proven that he is a man who is sold to giving every Kwaran a fair chance.
